Sir Keir Starmer is ready to participate in discussions with European leaders at an urgent summit on Monday, triggered by Donald Trump’s Ukraine representative implying that they may be excluded from peace negotiations.
The Prime Minister, scheduled to travel to Washington later in February, aims to become a connector between Europe and the US after the transatlantic alliance was affected by Mr Trump’s decision to dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin in pursuit of a resolution regarding Ukraine.
The Prime Minister stated: ‘This is a unique occasion for our national security, compelling us to confront the realities of today’s world and the peril we face from Russia.
‘It is evident that Europe must assume a larger role in NATO as we collaborate with the United States to secure the future of Ukraine and confront the threats posed by Russia.
‘The UK will strive to ensure that the US and Europe remain united. We must not permit any rifts within the alliance to divert our focus from the external adversaries we face.’
French President Emmanuel Macron is anticipated to convene European leaders along with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte for the emergency discussions.
This follows Mr Trump’s special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, indicating on Saturday that European leaders could be overlooked in the peace deal discussions, amplifying concerns in Europe regarding a potential concession to Mr Putin.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has proposed that establishing a new European military might be necessary in the future if the US cannot be depended upon to ensure the security of the continent.
During his significant address, Mr Zelensky remarked, ‘we cannot dismiss the likelihood that America may refuse Europe on issues that endanger it’.
Mr Zelensky continued: ‘Recently, President Trump informed me about his dialogue with Putin. He did not once imply that America requires Europe at the negotiating table. That speaks volumes.
‘The past era is gone, where America backed Europe simply for tradition’s sake.’
He emphasized that ‘the time has arrived for the establishment of an armed European force’.
Washington has hinted that NATO membership for Ukraine might not be feasible and that Mr Zelensky may need to concede territory to Russia as a part of any agreement to resolve the conflict.
US and Russian officials are predicted to engage in discussions in Saudi Arabia prior to an expected meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Putin.
Mr Zelensky asserted: ‘Ukraine will never agree to deals made without our presence and involvement.’
Retired General Mr Kellogg remarked that the negotiations would occur between Russia and Ukraine, with Mr Trump assuming the role of mediator – although European nations will still have the opportunity to contribute.
‘It is misguided to believe that he will undertake this alone; that was never stated,’ Mr Kellogg articulated during the Munich Security Conference.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy encouraged European countries to enhance their support for Ukraine, asserting that the economic consequences of failing would be ‘markedly more’ than the additional investments needed to assist Kyiv.
Additionally, Mr Rutte stated that European nations ‘must allocate more’ resources for their own defense.
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