In brief
In an interview with Fox News, Trump accused Macron and Starmer of "not doing anything" to facilitate peace talks regarding the Ukraine conflict, slated to be a key topic during their upcoming visits to the White House. The criticism follows a crisis summit held by European leaders in Paris, as concerns grow over Ukraine's limited role in future negotiations.
In the same breath, Trump cast doubt on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's effectiveness in negotiations, suggesting he has "no cards" to play. He described Zelensky's presence in discussions as unimportant. Despite this, Trump acknowledged his friendship with Macron and expressed fondness for Starmer during the interview.Starmer has publicly indicated his willingness to deploy UK troops to Ukraine to assure security as part of any peace agreement. Concurrently, multilateral sanctions against Russia continue, with over 20,000 imposed since the onset of its invasion. As peace talks loom, Trump emphasized the need for his personal involvement in negotiations, asserting that both Ukraine and Russia are unlikely to engage without his input. He reiterated his criticism of Zelensky's negotiation skills, claiming that the Ukrainian leader should have a more prominent role in preventing the conflict.While the ongoing discussions and proposed plans may shape future diplomatic efforts, Trump's remarks highlight the complexities and challenges in achieving a resolution to the war in Ukraine.
