Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull emphasized the importance of standing up to President Trump and urging him to not side with Putin against Ukraine, which would harm America’s reputation globally. Diplomats noted that President Trump has become more radical in his beliefs and is surrounded by yes-men, making it difficult for European leaders to persuade him otherwise. Despite the challenges, leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer are planning to address the issue during their visits to Washington by stressing the need for Trump to be strong against Putin and pushing for a peace deal that benefits Ukraine.
Starmer plans to offer increased military aid to Ukraine and enhance Britain’s own defense capabilities. Although Trump is not known for showing gratitude, Starmer hopes to receive recognition for his efforts. Additionally, Starmer intends to press Trump for details on the peace deal he seeks with Russia and the pressure he plans to exert on Putin. Nonetheless, avoiding a debate over President Zelensky and focusing on Trump’s peacemaking motives may yield better results according to experts.
French officials are worried about potential agreements between Putin and Trump that could harm European security, particularly regarding Ukraine. They aim to limit the damage and prevent potential election interference in Ukraine by Russia-backed candidates. Some experts suggest appealing to Trump’s interests in countering China, as making concessions to Putin could strengthen China’s position against the United States. However, it is acknowledged that appealing to Trump’s personal priorities may be more effective than grand strategy discussions.
Trump has criticized leaders like Macron and Starmer for not acting to end the war in Ukraine. Both leaders have attempted to build relationships with Trump in order to influence his decisions, with Starmer recently establishing a rapport with the president during a dinner in New York. Macron has a more complex relationship with Trump, with past disagreements on climate and nuclear policies. Despite previous efforts, there is uncertainty about the success of diplomatic initiatives, given Trump’s unpredictable nature and changeable opinions.
Macron’s longstanding efforts to engage with Trump include invitations to events like the reopening of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris, highlighting the importance of maintaining dialogue with the U.S. president. However, past experiences have shown that Trump’s decisions can be unpredictable, leading to challenges for diplomatic relations. The upcoming visits of Macron and Starmer to Washington aim to address the Ukraine conflict and encourage Trump to prioritize peace and stability in the region. Despite the difficulties in persuading Trump on the issue, leaders are determined to voice their concerns and press for a resolution that benefits Ukraine and ensures peace in the region.
