International Before Ukraine summit in London: Starmer wants to pave the way for peace
Following the unprecedented scandal in the White House between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is positioning himself as a bridge builder. He has invited European heads of state and government to a Ukraine summit in London on Sunday.
01.03.2025, 10:33
SDA
Starmer spoke to both Zelenskyi and Trump on the phone, Downing Street announced after the Ukrainian left the White House early. "He maintains his unwavering support for Ukraine and is doing everything he can to find a path to a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine," a Downing Street spokesperson said.
Unlike many other European politicians, Starmer did not express his support for Zelensky immediately afterwards on social media. British media interpreted this as an attempt to mediate between the USA and Ukraine. During a visit to Washington this week, the British head of government had demonstratively sought harmony with the US president.
Fierce verbal confrontation in front of the cameras
Selenskyj and Trump and his Vice President J.D. Vance, on the other hand, had a fierce verbal argument in front of the cameras in Washington. Planned talks and the signing of an agreement on the exploitation of raw materials in Ukraine then fell through.
In addition to Selenskyj, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, other heads of state and government as well as EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President António Costa are expected to attend the summit in London on Sunday.
