Sir Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are emphasizing the importance of European security during a recent phone call. This conversation comes at a pivotal time, especially with the ongoing tensions between Zelenskyy and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
In their discussion, Starmer reiterated the UK’s strong support for Ukraine. He promised to talk about protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty with President Biden in the near future. This is crucial as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s ongoing aggression.
Starmer also spoke with Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission. They both agreed that Europe needs to enhance its efforts for the sake of collective security. This collaboration is particularly important as the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches.
Starmer is set to meet Trump soon, which many see as a critical moment for U.S.-European relations. Trump has recently made headlines for his harsh comments about Zelenskyy, calling him a "dictator" and criticizing both Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron for not doing enough to resolve the conflict. Trump has even suggested that Ukraine was responsible for starting the war, echoing narratives often used by Russia.
Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion, the UK, France, and other allies have provided military support and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The situation remains tense, particularly with Trump’s recent statements that have left many European leaders and Ukrainian officials concerned.
In their call, Starmer and Zelenskyy reflected on recent developments in the war and stressed the need for continued cooperation with allies to achieve a just peace. They both recognized the moment as significant for Ukraine’s future and for European security as a whole.
Starmer also mentioned that Ukraine should be central to any negotiations aimed at ending the war, emphasizing the need to safeguard its sovereignty to prevent future threats from Russia. In a separate conversation with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, he reiterated the need for Europe to step up its support for Ukraine.
As tensions rise, the international community watches closely. Trump’s plans to negotiate directly with Moscow have raised alarms among European allies, who worry about the implications for Ukraine’s future. The next few days will be crucial as Starmer prepares for his upcoming meeting with Trump.