UK Prime Minister’s Mission to Washington
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine topping the agenda. Starmer’s visit comes at a crucial time, as European leaders seek to secure continued American support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
Starmer’s Stance on Ukraine
The UK Prime Minister has been vocal about the need for a strong international response to Russian aggression. Starmer has offered to send British troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force, emphasising the importance of a ceasefire. However, he stresses that an American “backstop” is essential for ensuring a lasting peace and deterring further Russian advances.
Trump’s Position and European Concerns
President Trump’s recent actions have raised concerns among European allies:
- The US held talks with Russia without Ukrainian or European representation
- America refused to sign UN resolutions blaming Russia for the war
- Trump has not committed to providing security guarantees for Ukraine
These moves have led to worries about potential concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin in the push for peace talks.
The Importance of US Support
Starmer believes that without US involvement, any peace agreement may lack the necessary deterrent effect on Putin. He stated, “We will play our part and I’ve been clear that we will need a US backstop of some sort because I don’t think there will be a deterrent to Putin if we don’t have one.”
UK’s Commitment to Defence
In preparation for his Washington visit, Starmer announced a significant increase in UK military spending:
- 2.5% of GDP by 2027
- Aiming for 3% by 2035
This represents the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, underscoring the UK’s commitment to global security.
The Road Ahead
As Starmer heads into talks with Trump, the stakes are high. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact the future of Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape. With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also scheduled to visit the White House, all eyes will be on Washington as world leaders seek a path towards peace and stability in Eastern Europe.