In a display of international solidarity, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have both reaffirmed their support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The leaders engaged in separate phone conversations with Zelenskyy, with Starmer emphasizing his commitment to the democratically elected leader of Ukraine. According to a statement from Downing Street, Starmer assured Zelenskyy of his unwavering support.

Starmer’s statements indirectly addressed criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had labeled Zelenskyy a “dictator” due to the suspension of elections amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Starmer clarified that it is “completely understandable” to postpone elections during wartime, citing historical precedent set by Winston Churchill during World War II. Starmer also reiterated his support for the U.S.-led efforts to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine that would deter future Russian aggression.

Macron, who is set to visit the White House early this week, aims to convey the unified stance of European nations to Trump. Benjamin Haddad, a European minister, stated on French television that Macron will emphasize that decisions about Ukraine’s future cannot be made without European involvement.

A “Great Conversation” with Macron

Following informal summit meetings in Paris with 22 EU partners and NATO allies, including Britain, Canada, Iceland, and Norway, Macron outlined his approach to peace negotiations with Trump. He stressed the importance of including Ukraine in these discussions and ensuring robust and credible security guarantees. Macron shared his strategy with Zelenskyy during their phone call, who later described the conversation as “great,” expressing appreciation for the unified European position.

Macron’s approach is nuanced, avoiding public criticism of Trump’s recent statements. Instead, he plans to engage directly with Trump, a strategy that has been effective in the past. For instance, in November 2018, Trump abruptly left a Paris event commemorating the end of World War I due to disagreements with Macron. Despite this, Macron has maintained open communication channels with Trump, leveraging opportunities like the Notre-Dame de Paris reopening to build relationships.

British and French Contributions to a Peace Force

Speculation is growing about the potential contributions of British and French armed forces to a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Reports suggest that the focus is on airspace monitoring, utilizing the existing framework of the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), a joint initiative between the two countries established 15 years ago. This force, which includes 10,000 soldiers, is designed for rapid deployment and multilateral operations.

Starmer has indicated a willingness to send British troops to Ukraine, though assessments suggest the British Army, which has significantly reduced in size over the decades, could deploy a maximum of 10,000 soldiers for a year. The “Times” and “Financial Times” have reported that ground troops could be used to protect strategic locations like ports and nuclear power plants, while fighter jets could monitor airspace from neighboring countries like Poland or Romania.

Dependence on U.S. Support

The CJEF, while operational, relies heavily on U.S. support for communication and intelligence systems. Both France and Britain need American backing to fully utilize the CJEF’s capabilities. This dependence was highlighted when both Starmer and Defense Minister John Healey expressed the need for American support in any armed surveillance mission in Ukraine. The U.S. role is crucial, whether it involves air support or training.

Trump’s criticism of Zelenskyy has put the British Conservative Party in a delicate position. While they support Trump, they have also been strong advocates for Ukraine’s defense. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested that Europeans should focus on ending the war rather than being distracted by Trump’s statements. Johnson argued that Trump’s rhetoric is more about motivating action than historical accuracy.

Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, reaffirmed her party’s commitment to Ukraine, stating, “We will always be at the side of Ukraine.” She also refuted Trump’s characterization of Zelenskyy, emphasizing that he is a democratically elected leader defending against Putin’s illegal invasion.

Implications for U.S. Policy

The coordinated efforts of European leaders to support Ukraine and engage with Trump highlight the complex geopolitical landscape. For U.S. readers, this situation underscores the importance of international alliances and the need for a unified approach to global conflicts. The ongoing support for Ukraine from both European and American leaders sends a clear message to Russia about the consequences of aggression.

As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, the role of the U.S. in providing military and diplomatic support will be crucial. The coordinated efforts of European leaders, along with the potential contributions of the CJEF, offer a glimpse into the multifaceted approach required to achieve peace and stability in the region. The upcoming meetings between Macron, Starmer, and Trump will be pivotal in shaping the future of Ukraine and the broader European security landscape.