European leaders also have to consider how they work if the United States pulled its support from Ukraine, writes British correspondent Kirsi Crowley.
Kirsi Crowleybritian-Correspondent
LONDON British Prime Minister Keir Starmer A meeting of a meeting of European leaders in London is becoming an emergency meeting to seek ways to rescue the US -Ukrainian relationship, while at the same time the security of Europe.
Just a few days ago in the UK admired the melting of Starmer when he met the US President Donald Trump. Trump seemed to show understanding of Ukraine, even though he did not promise security guarantees. However, Trump promised his administration to help with the ceasefire. The US -Ukrainian mineral agreement would contribute to Ukraine’s security.
Just a day after that relationship between Ukraine and the US seemed to be in ruins when Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyi They drifted into a word war in a white house. In practice, Trump screamed at Zelensky that he was driving the world towards the Third World War. Zelenskyi demanded stronger support from Trump against Russia. The mineral agreement between the countries was not signed, and Zelenskyi received passports from the white house.
The nature of the meeting changed
The London meeting on Sunday had already been decided before the end of the week. European leaders were supposed to discuss supporting Ukraine French President Emmanuel Macron And in the light of Starmer’s Washington trips.
Friday’s disaster in the White House made the meeting busy and necessary. Nowadays, Europe has to quickly find concrete ways not only to support Ukraine, but also to replace the US contribution to supporting Ukraine if Trump decides to withdraw US support.
Starmer has already promised to raise Britain’s defense expenditure to 2.5 % of GDP. He has also promised troops to secure Ukraine. Sunday’s meeting will surely be tangible promises and plans from other countries.
According to the British Prime Minister’s Chancellor, leaders are considering security guarantees, strengthening Ukraine’s position with military support and increasing Russia’s financial pressure, and how to ensure permanent peace and Ukraine’s ability to prevent Russia’s attacks.
Starmer has invited 12 European countries, Turkey and Canada leaders to the meeting. Finland is represented by President Alexander Stubb. Also included are Zelenskyi, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and chairmen of the European Commission and the European Council.
Starmer strongly alongside Ukraine
Zelenskyi arrived in London on Saturday night. He received a warm welcome when Starmer walked against this as Zelensky arrived at the Prime Minister’s residence on Downing Street and his first job was Zelensky’s firm hug.
Starmer settles strongly alongside Ukraine by saying that we are now at the turning point.
“I am strengthening my unduly support for Ukraine and my even stronger commitment to provide resources, education and help to Ukraine to make it in the strongest position,” Starmer said, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
However, Starmer does not want the meeting to look like European countries against the United States. The purpose is to support Ukraine.
Starmer still does not blame Trump, but a small message of Britain seems to send that the king Charles III Meet Zelensky’s Sandringham Castle over the weekend. Starmer was flattered by Trump in Washington by submitting a king’s invitation letter to a state visit to Britain. Trump admires the British royal family.
The London meeting will have to hang out whether the US relationship has really been broken. European countries are still supporting Ukraine, but Zelensky’s speech in Washington has also been criticized. NATO Secretary -General Mark Rutte has demanded Zelensky to find a way to fix his relationship with the United States.
Rutte told the BBC that he told Zelensky that it is important to respect what Trump has done so far for Ukraine. In his previous presidential term, Trump sold the Javelin anti-tanker system to Ukraine. Ukraine was later able to combat Russian tanks.
Starmer asserts that he is on the same line with Zelensky that the United States is needed to secure Ukraine and potential European peacekeepers against the threat of Russia. Trump charred to Zelensky but not for Starmer, who, at his own meeting, praised Trump in his requests.
However, Trump did not accept the Starmer request and now Europe has to consider how to proceed at the turning point described by Starmer.
will send on Sunday 2.3. 6:15 pm to 7:30 pm News Sunday Special Broadcasting, which introduces Ukraine’s peace of mind and the security situation in Europe after the events of recent days. The broadcast can be followed live on TV1 and Arena and partly in Radio Finland.