Zelenskyy, Starmer to meet as Europe rallies for Ukraine amid Trump spat
Before a wider summit of European leaders on Sunday, which Downing Street claimed will focus on boosting support for “securing a just and lasting peace” in Ukraine, Starmer’s office announced he would meet with Zelenskyy in London on Saturday.
Following a Friday shouting match between Zelenskyy and Trump at the White House, the US’s support for Ukraine is in doubt.
In light of concerns about whether the US will continue to support NATO, Sunday’s summit is expected to address the need for Europe to intensify its defense cooperation.
After receiving a request from Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become Germany’s next chancellor, French President Emmanuel Macron has stated he is ready to “open the discussion” on a potential future European nuclear deterrent.
Merz has emphasized how urgent it is for the continent to “achieve independence” from the US in terms of defense issues.
After Friday’s tumultuous meeting, where Trump accused Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful,” Al Jazeera’s Milena Veselinovic, a reporter from London, said the summit will take on a “more heightened importance.”
She said that “European leaders are now grappling with the real possibility that the US will no longer support Ukraine militarily or that it may withdraw some of that support.”
Many analysts believe that this would be a very tall order and a significant challenge for Europe. “The European leaders really need to see if they can step up to the plate and if they can defend Ukraine on their own.”
Trump-Zelenskyy row
Trump and Vice President JD Vance verbally and physically addressed Zelenskyy during a press conference in front of US and international media, accusing him of being “thankful” and rejecting their proposed peace terms.
Trump remarked, “You don’t have the cards at this moment.” You’re either going to agree to leave or we’re out, and if we’re out, you’ll fight it out, which is unfavorable.
The majority of European leaders rushed to Zelenskyy’s defense after being shocked by the incident on Friday.
Zelenskyy was never left alone, according to European Union leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa.
In a joint statement, the European Commission and the European Council presidents urged people to “be strong, be brave, and be fearless.” “We will continue to work with you for a just and lasting peace,” they added.
In the Ukraine war, according to Macron, Russia is the “aggressor,” and Ukrainians are the “aggressed people.”
He said, “We were all right to support Ukraine and support Russia three years ago and to do so today.”
In this terrible war, Merz remarked, “We must never confuse the aggressor with the victim.” “Dutch support for Ukraine continues to be unwavering, especially now,” said Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof. Starmer also pledged “unwavering support” for Ukraine.
Trump was supported by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite the majority of European leaders’ apparent support for Zelenskyy. Strong men prevail in a war, while weak men prevail. He wrote on X on today that @realDonaldTrump stood up for peace.
Source: Aljazeera
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