Starmer Set for Talks with Macron on Trump and Ukraine

Monday 11 November 2024 - 10:40

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to discuss key issues including European security and the potential ramifications of a second Trump presidency. Ahead of a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the leaders are expected to address Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, according to Downing Street.

The meeting comes amid rising concerns about US President-elect Donald Trump's stance on Ukraine, following his claim that he could end the war with Russia "in one day." Trade will also be a significant topic, especially after Trump proposed a sweeping 20% tariff on US imports, with some economists warning that it could negatively affect global trade, including a potential £22bn impact on UK exports.

Sir Keir, who is believed to be the first British leader to attend this particular ceremony since Winston Churchill in 1944, will also meet with French Prime Minister Michel Barnier. Discussions are expected to cover Ukraine, the Middle East, migration, and efforts to reset UK-EU relations.

On Ukraine, the leaders are likely to discuss how best to support Ukrainian forces as winter approaches. One possibility on the table is the use of Storm Shadow missiles to target deep into Russian territory. However, after extensive deliberation, any final decision will likely rest with US President Joe Biden, so no major breakthroughs are anticipated during this meeting.

Concerns have been raised regarding Trump’s potential second term and its impact on US support for Ukraine and NATO. Recent reports suggest Trump has already spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him not to escalate the war further. UK Defence Secretary John Healey supported this, emphasizing the importance of a strong US commitment to Ukraine, backed by bipartisan support.

Both the UK and France maintain that supporting Ukraine is crucial for the security of Europe. Trump, during his campaign, criticized NATO members for insufficient defense spending and hinted that aggressors like Russia could be allowed to act freely in countries that fail to meet defense targets. He has also suggested a possible quick resolution to the war, though specifics remain unclear. Bryan Lanza, a former Trump campaign advisor, has indicated that any peace deal may not include the return of Crimea to Ukraine.

The meeting between Starmer and Macron occurs as the conflict intensifies, with both sides engaged in significant drone attacks over the weekend. Russian forces claimed to have intercepted 84 Ukrainian drones across six regions.

On the domestic front, UK Treasury Minister Darren Jones stated that the government intends to increase defense spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP, though the timeline for meeting this goal remains uncertain.

Sir Keir also attended the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London on Sunday, where King Charles led the nation in honoring those who sacrificed their lives in past conflicts. A two-minute silence will be observed on Armistice Day at 11:00 GMT, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918.