"We are at a crossroads in history," the prime minister says, while Ukrainian President Zelensky meets the King in Sandringham.
Following a meeting with world leaders, Starmer has announced a £1.6bn financing package to Ukraine, the creation of a "Coalition of the Willing", and that a deal to be presented to Trump. He has emphasised:
The importance of the US's participation in the coalition
I mean this doesn't sound like any forward movement at all, this sounds like nothing. This sounds like a plan predicated on Trump becoming a completely different person overnight, and brokering a deal with Russia that can be trusted, laugh with me
I think there is a lot more to it than what is being presented. We're getting the "carrot" version of things, there will almost certainly be a "stick" that will be presented, and Starmer will outline the grave consequences of the USA not cooperating.
It was interesting that Starmer seemed so confident that Trump would agree. This means either he's hugely bluffing to put on a show, or the nice guy show to Trump is over and they can get him to bend by force.
with so many foreign troops fighting for russia in ukraine, there is zero justification for european troops not to be fighting with the ukranians as well. zero. every day that uk & france aren't mobilzing and deploying troops to ukraine is just more european stalling until complete abandonment
What plausible stick could the UK (with or without EU) wield against the US? Pull out of NATO or the Five Eyes? That would hurt them way more than it would hurt the US, and Trump knows they're too rational to let it happen.
I mean he just casually pledged 1.6 billion so that's not nothing. The only plan there was ever going to be was what Europe was already doing, only more of it.
i hope this is just one step in a strategy beginning by telling Trump he is not one in the "Coalition Of The Willing" anymore.
Things may escalate rapidly after staying stating Europe's position.
I suspect it will be, "here is our final offer, get on board or face the consequences". I do wonder whether Europe and Canada are going to try and apply any sort of leverage over Trump or whether they have already accepted that they will have to go it alone. If the latter happens I predict a full on meltdown from Trump that will make his Zelenskyy interaction look sane.
I think of you offer anything that even smells like an ultimatum, Trump’s going to respond with tariffs. For some reason, he’s behaving like a rabid dog backed into a corner, and he’s lashing out at any and every perceived threat.
Rather, I think Europe should intend on proceeding without the US. Trump said it himself, “We’re out.” Take him at his word, and act accordingly. He will either see the light, or he won’t.
European countries can attempt to continue relations with the US, separate from Ukraine, unless Trump wants to make it about Ukraine. If he does, it should be explained that Ukraine’s not on the table, the US has stated their position (they’re out), and Europe is respecting that.