Sir Keir Starmer was the earliest leader to arrive for this gathering in Paris, walking down the street from the British Embassy.
Upon his exit, after three hours of deliberations, he appeared grave.
Sir Keir, alongside the other prominent political figures present at the Elysee Palace, recognizes that Europe has faced significant challenges and has been sidelined in recent days due to the statements and actions emanating from Washington.
Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron in Paris: Pic: Number 10/Flickr
Thus, this assembly served, to some degree, as a platform for political leaders to reaffirm their positions.
However, during our conversation, it became evident that the discussion also revolved around establishing a clear stance.
This was less about the possible structure of a peace agreement for Ukraine and more concerning how it would be enforced.
Ukrainian troops in the Donetsk region. Pic: Reuters
European leaders at the security summit in Paris. Pic: Number 10/Flickr
The prime minister expressed his willingness to deploy British forces on the ground but emphasized that the US must supply what he referred to as a “backstop”.
He did not provide details on what this entailed, yet it is apparent that he is suggesting a commitment of American military power to guarantee Ukraine’s future.
He advocates for “a lasting peace,” as the prime minister asserts, opposed to a ceasefire that European officials fear would permit Vladimir Putin to regroup his forces and launch further assaults.
Sir Keir is striving to showcase some diplomatic strength – adopting a more assertive tone than, for instance, Olaf Scholz, the presumably-soon-to-be former chancellor of Germany, while also pledging to travel to Washington next week for discussions with Donald Trump, reporting back to European leaders thereafter.
It appears to be a rare opportunity for Sir Keir to assume a leadership role in post-Brexit Europe, and it is one he aims to seize.
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However, the greater concern for Europeans may lie in the possibility that America and Russia are not merely interested in discussing Ukraine but also trade negotiations, geopolitical pacts, and possible territorial divisions.
If Donald Trump perceives America’s future through the lens of a transactional deal-maker, he may find he has more in common with Putin than he does with many European leaders.
This could signify the emergence of a new world order.
