LONDON (AP) – French and British leaders are visiting tag teams in Washington this week when Europe tries to persuade President Donald Trump it’s not Abandoning Ukraine Pursuing a peace agreement in The war three years ago With Russia.
There is a good cop element, a bad cop in the UK’s efforts Prime Minister Kiel and French President Emmanuel Macron Saves America’s support for Kyiv.
He is reluctant to openly stand up to Trump, The bridge between Europe and the US administration. Macron has more critical of Trump’s recent statement Echoing the Russian story And the movement of America Negotiation with Moscow Watching Ukraine.
The two leaders spoke on the phone on Sunday, saying that Britain and Europe must “show a unified leader in favour of Ukraine in the face of Russian invasion.” Both emphasize that Ukrainian voice and sovereignty must be at the heart of peace negotiations.
The French president warned Trump that he had appeared “weak in the face of Putin.”
“It’s not you, it’s your trademark, it’s not your interest,” said Macron, who is scheduled for the White House on Monday, the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Priorities are expected to continue on Thursday.
Double track diplomacy
The trip comes after Macron calls Crisis Conference To discuss the next steps on the continent for European leaders in Paris last week, and on Friday, Trump ended the war by claiming Macron and his priorities “haven’t done anything” for the past three years.
The centristic French leader known for his bold diplomatic moves said he was trying to persuade Trump that America and Europe’s interests were the same, saying, “If we take over Ukraine to Russia, that will not be stopped.” It must be.”
A cautious central left politician, starmer, declined to contradict Trump directly or criticize his actions. The UK joined the US by refusing to sign a joint declaration at Artificial Intelligence Summit It was hosted by Macron in Paris this month and was seen as an attempt to curry favors in Washington.
However, the prime minister reaffirmed Britain’s support for Ukraine, rejected Trump’s claim that Zelensky was a “dictator” and rejected the president’s proposal that Kiev had begun the war. February 24, 2022.
The priority spoke to Zelenskyy on Saturday, expressing “close support for British iron for Ukraine and its commitment to ensure fair and lasting peace.” He said when speaking to Trump in Washington he would emphasize “protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty.”
Some historians say that Britain is Transatlantic Bridge It is built on an unstable foundation.
“The ‘special relationship’ has always been more important for British purposes,” said Margaret McMillan, a history professor at Oxford University. “If that comes soon, the great powers tend to do what suits them.”
She said Macron and the final profits of priority are “they want the US to continue to be involved in Europe. Whether or not they can achieve that is another matter.”
Overcoming us
Macron and priorities will say that in Washington, Ukraine must be at the table to negotiate its future. They want us to get support A new plan To deploy troops to Europe with a “feeling power” to ensure Ukraine’s future security. The priorities emphasize that the plan will only work if Russia has a US “backstop” in the form of American air forces, perhaps in order to stop the attack again.
Trump may be skeptical. He’s long I questioned the value He complained that NATO and the US are providing security to European countries that are not losing weight.
Both Macron and the star appear to be ready to answer Trump’s call to boost defense spending. France spends just 2% of its gross domestic product on the military, and Macron said last week that Europeans “have to increase our war effort.”
The UK has spent 2.3% of its gross domestic product on defense, with priorities rising to 2.5%. He may set a date to reach that target while traveling to Washington.
Jamie Shea, a retired senior NATO employee, said priorities should try to appeal to a keen sense of Trump’s place in history.
“That’s what Starmer of the main argument can say,” the president will be your peace agreement. You did it, and for better or worse, you will associate it forever. And do you want to risk failure? “Sia said.
Talk about transactions and customs
Trade – and Effort to Avoid US tariffs imposed – It will also be on the agenda for both Macron and Starmer.
Trump ordered a mutual import tax on American trading partners. China’s 10% tariffEffectively raised US taxes Foreign matter and aluminumAnd I was threatened I’ve been delayed 30 days25% tax on goods from Canada and Mexico.
British officials want UK stuff Departure from the European Union – The moves Trump praised – and a relatively balanced trade with the US will help avoid harsh tariffs.
Also, priority wants to raise UK opposition Trump’s proposal Palestinians are deported from Gaza and the United States can take over their territory. And he tries to ease our concerns about the UK agreement to give to Mauritius. Chagos Islandsthe Indian Ocean Archipelago, home to strategic US military bases.
If everything else fails, the UK can deploy royal ritual soft power. The Daily Telegraph reported that priorities will present an invitation from Trump Charles III Filled with Royal Pumps and Pageantries for a state visit.
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Corbett reported from Paris.
