U.Ok. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has known as on U.S. President Donald Trump to supply American army backing for a proposed European peacekeeping power in Ukraine, arguing that solely a U.S. safety assure can deter Russia from launching additional aggression.
His attraction got here after an emergency summit in Paris on Feb. 17, the place European leaders debated growing protection spending and mentioned the potential deployment of European forces, in response to the Guardian. Starmer reiterated his willingness to ship British troops as a part of a multinational power however insisted that U.S. involvement was important to make sure its effectiveness.
The Paris summit, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron on brief discover, mirrored rising European considerations that Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin could also be negotiating over European safety with out the direct involvement of European leaders.
The Kyiv IndependentAsami Terajima
Whereas some leaders, together with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, opposed discussions on deploying a European power, Starmer pushed ahead, arguing that European troops would wish American logistical and army assist. U.Ok. protection officers have careworn that even a non-combat peacekeeping power of 30,000 troops would require NATO’s safety, significantly by way of air cowl and logistics.
Scholz, whereas agreeing {that a} European power couldn’t function with out U.S. backing, dismissed the timing of the talk as untimely. He criticized discussions about troop deployment whereas Russia continues its warfare in Ukraine, arguing that the main target ought to stay on army and monetary assist for Kyiv.
Different European leaders, together with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, emphasised the pressing want to spice up European protection spending to counter Russia’s army energy. Tusk warned that until European nations take instant steps to strengthen their defenses, they’ll battle to supply significant assist for Ukraine.
If we, Europeans, fail to spend huge on defence now, we will probably be pressured to spend 10 instances extra if we don’t forestall a wider warfare. Because the Polish PM I’m entitled to say it loud and clear, since Poland already spends nearly 5% of its GDP on defence. And we are going to proceed to take action.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) February 17, 2025
Considerations over Trump’s potential strategy to peace negotiations with Russia dominated the summit, as European leaders worry he could push for a ceasefire that doesn’t account for Ukrainian pursuits.
Senior U.S. and Russian diplomats are set to satisfy in Riyadh to observe up on a telephone name Trump initiated with Putin final week.
U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed on Feb. 16 that Zelensky would have a say within the course of and talked about the potential for permitting European nations to buy U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine. Rubio echoed comparable feedback, including that Ukraine and Europe should play a job in critical negotiations with the U.S. and Russia to finish the warfare.
European diplomats are more and more apprehensive that Trump may make unilateral concessions to Russia, similar to lifting key sanctions or withdrawing U.S. troops from Europe, as a part of a broader take care of Moscow.
The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent