Much flummery from Starmer, but still no security guarantee on Ukraine from Trump

UK, French leaders remain uncertain of US plans for end to war despite charm offensive

- Jonathan Eyal

LONDON - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer followed in the footsteps of French President Emmanuel Macron by travelling to Washington on Feb 27 to warn the Trump administration against reaching a quick deal with Russia that would sacrifice Ukraine's territory and interests.

Unlike Mr Macron, who relied more on personal charm to make his arguments on behalf of Ukraine, the British leader concentrated primarily on flattering Mr Donald Trump with various gestures, including delivering a personal letter from King Charles III, Britain's monarch.

But like Mr Macron, Mr Starmer went home without a clear US commitment to how Washington would handle the Ukraine war.

Mr Trump stunned Europe when, after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Feb 12, the White House announced that the US is launching direct talks with Russia designed to end the bloodshed in Ukraine, without the participation of either the Ukrainians or other European negotiators.

Worse still, Mr Trump appeared to concede most of what Russia wanted from Ukraine even before the talks started.

In return for an eventual agreement to a ceasefire, officials of the Trump administration conceded that Russia could keep the 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory Russian troops now occupy.

Washington also seemed to accept that Ukraine would enjoy no formal Western security guarantees and would, therefore, remain at the mercy of Russia after the fighting stops.

The Ukrainians and their European allies tried to persuade the White House that no ceasefire agreement could be durable without the Ukrainians' involvement in the negotiations.

But instead of listening to such arguments, Mr Trump doubled down on his approach.