Trump to Host Starmer, Macron Amid Ukraine Peace Talks

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1 day ago

Above: Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer in Paris, France on Feb. 17, 2025. Image copyright: Umit Donmez/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Imagesstory last updated 14 hours ago

The Facts

French Pres. Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will visit Washington next week, as confirmed by US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz on Fox News's America Reports.
Waltz said he "welcom[e]d" Europe "step[ping] up" and providing security guarantees for Ukraine, while arguing that the US has long encouraged greater European contribution to both regional defense and Ukraine's security.
The announcement came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy Ambassador Steve Witkoff met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian Aide to President Yuri Ushakov in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

The Spin

Anti-Trump narrative

Starmer and Macron's upcoming visit to Washington signals a crucial moment for Europe to assert its leadership in the Ukraine crisis. With Trump's dangerous foreign policy aligned with authoritarian figures like Putin, it's clear Europe can't rely on the US to stand firm in defending democratic values. Starmer and Macron must confront Trump with a united European stance, reinforcing Ukraine's fight for freedom and rejecting the threat to European stability and global security.

Substack Guardian

Pro-Trump narrative

Starmer and Macron's upcoming trip to Washington highlights their continued reliance on the US. If Europe wants to play a leading role in Ukraine, it should be prepared to finance and build its own military strength rather than expect America to foot the bill. The Trump administration's approach, rooted in national sovereignty and peace through strength, rightly emphasizes that the US can't be Europe's permanent crutch. It's time for Europe to defend itself.

European Conservative X