Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has publicly pushed back against Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine’s ambitions to join NATO, setting the stage for a tense White House summit later today.
On Sunday night, the former U.S. president claimed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is obstructing a possible ceasefire in the ongoing war with Russia. Trump asserted that the conflict could end almost immediately if Zelenskyy abandoned Ukraine’s bid to join NATO.
In response, Downing Street reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, stating that Kyiv is on an irreversible path toward membership. Sir Keir’s official spokesperson emphasized, “Russia can’t have a veto against Ukraine’s pathway to the EU or NATO.”
Starmer prepares to meet Trump
The disagreement highlights a growing rift as Starmer prepares to meet with Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German opposition leader Friedrich Merz in Washington for high-stakes talks involving President Zelenskyy.
While European leaders are seeking to broker a ceasefire, Trump has indicated he prefers to pursue a more permanent resolution to the war. That stance has raised concerns in Kyiv and among European allies, who fear Zelenskyy could be pressured into negotiations while Russian forces continue territorial advances.
A Western official said; “We need to bring the ceasefire into the picture again,” reflecting broader efforts to de-escalate the conflict without compromising Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, ahead of today’s summit, Zelenskyy is meeting with Keith Kellogg, Donald Trump’s special envoy, at the Hay-Adams Hotel near the White House, according to Ukraine’s national news agency, Ukrinform.
In a tragic development, Ukrainian artist and soldier Davyd Chychkan was killed in action while defending Zaporizhzhia against a Russian assault. Chychkan, known for his political artwork, was the son of renowned artist Illia Chychkan and the great-grandson of Leonid Chychkan.
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