Europe’s intervention in Trump-Zelenskyy spat is not about bypassing US in Ukraine talks

Even as European leaders converged in London on Sunday to rally around Ukraine, the purpose was not to bypass the United States.

On the contrary, the purpose was to show the United States that Europe is willing to step up aid and contribute to the enforcement of any ceasefire.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have made it clear that the United States will need to be part of any ceasefire enforcement in Ukraine even as they are willing to deploy a European peacekeeping force.

Even as Starmer pitched a “coalition of the willing” from among European nations to back Ukraine, he said the United Stated remained a reliable ally and one that’s crucial to any solution for Ukraine. He said, “I wouldn’t be taking this step down this road if I didn’t think it would yield a positive outcome in terms of ensuring that we move together.”

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Along with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Starmer and Macron are working as Europe’s bridge to US President Donald Trump where they have a multipurpose agenda. While they are trying to demonstrate that Europe is united behind Ukraine come what may, they are also telling Trump that Europe is willing to do more to help Ukraine and, at the same time, convince him to stay involved in Ukraine and Europe. The last bit may be the hardest as Trump has nearly completely aligned his foreign policy, particularly in Europe, with that of Russia.

Mujtaba Rahman, an analyst at Eurasia Group, said that Starmer’s initiative is also about preparing Europe for a worst-case scenario.

“Starmer has two goals. Build an offer with the Ukrainians and Europeans that keeps the U.S. positively engaged in Ukraine’s security, while simultaneously preparing for a worst-case scenario where that may not prove possible,” Rahman told The New York Times.

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‘For as long as it may take’

In a sharp contrast to the scenes at White House in which Trump and his deputy JD Vance berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and then kicked him out without holding the scheduled talks, Starmer warmly greeted Zelenskyy and then escorted him to the motorcade after their meeting. Zelenskyy later also met King Charles III. If the symbolism was not enough to convey the commitment, Starmer put it in words too.

Starmer said, “We stand with you and Ukraine for as long as it may take.”

Starmer also made it clear that Ukraine has to be part of talks that decide the nation’s future. This is in sharp contrast to Trump’s approach who is negotiating directly with Russia and has said that Ukraine does not necessarily belong on the table that makes decisions about the war.

Starmer outlined four pillars of any deal that would end the war in Ukraine.

Firstly, military aid must keep flowing to Ukraine so that the country can negotiate from a position of strength.

Secondly, Ukraine must be part of the talks that decide its sovereignty and security.

Thirdly, once a ceasefire deal is reached, Ukraine’s defences will be strengthened to deter any future Russian aggression.

Fourthly, a coalition will be formed to defend the deal.

The fourth point was a reference to a European peacekeeping force that Starmer and Macron have pitched.

A “coalition of the willing” is required to defend a deal in Ukraine and “to guarantee the peace” the peace, said Starmer.

Europe takes lead but seeks US backing

While Starmer said that a European peacekeeping force will enforce the ceasefire in Ukraine, he made it clear that the United States should be part of the deal.

This is part of the broader approach to convince Trump that staying involved in Europe is in the interests of the United States and that even as Europe is willing to take the lead, the US involvement is a must for lasting peace.

ALSO READ: Is Trump deserting Europe?

Starmer said, “Not every nation will feel able to contribute. But that can’t mean we sit back. Instead, those willing will intensify planning now – with real urgency. The UK is prepared to back this with boots on the ground, and planes in the air together with others. Europe must do the heavy lifting but to support peace on our continent, and to succeed, this effort must have strong US backing.

“We’re working with the US on this point, after my meeting with President Trump last week. And let me be clear – we agree with the President on the urgent need for a durable peace. Now we need to deliver, together.”

As per a plan drafted by Starmer and Macron, a European force will enforce the ceasefire in Ukraine, but a ‘backstop’ deployment of the US forces in an eastern European nation to support the European peacekeepers in case Russia escalates is a must.

An ally of Starmer told Financial Times, “The prime minister’s priority is to do whatever it takes to defend Ukraine. That means the US has to be involved. You have to fix that relationship and get back to that minerals deal.”

Even though Starmer sent a signal to Trump that the UK will stand with Ukraine come what may, a second ally of Starmer told FT that mending ties with Trump is still a must for Zelenskyy.

“The PM will bring people together and politely make sure they realise that there is only one negotiation in town — and that’s President Trump’s,” said this ally.

Despite Trump’s alignment with Putin, Starmer is confident —at least in public— that he can convince Trump to not abandon Europe.

“I wouldn’t be taking this step down this road if I didn’t think it would yield a positive outcome in terms of ensuring that we move together,” said Starmer.