Britain’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and France’s President Emmanuel Macron are preparing to discuss efforts to challenge U.S. President-elect Donald J. Trump’s potential reduction in support for Ukraine. This meeting, scheduled for Monday in Paris, will cover a range of topics, including whether Joe Biden can be convinced to permit Ukraine to launch Storm Shadow missiles deep into Russian territory—significantly escalating the war before Trump has a chance to end it. These discussions will coincide with Starmer’s visit for an Armistice Day ceremony, marking the end of the First World War in 1918.
The leaders’ discussions will also touch on concerns about the Middle East and the threat of a trade war between the U.S. and Europe. The forthcoming weeks present a critical window for Biden to influence U.S. policy as Trump takes office on January 20.
Biden has been actively working to cement U.S. support for Zelensky. White House initiatives announced last week involve continuing humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. Trump’s potential policy shift is underscored by news that his incoming administration will exclude hawkish figures like Mike Pompeo and Nikki Haley.
However, Zelensky has publicly welcomed Trump’s election, saying, “I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs,” adding: “We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership.”