Sir Keir Starmer has engaged in urgent discussions over the phone with both Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump following their heated confrontation in the White House. Mr Zelenskyy visited Washington DC in an attempt to secure a ceasefire with Russia and a potential mineral deal with the US, but the visit was cut short after a disagreement in the Oval Office led to the cancellation of an agreement signing and joint press conference with Mr Trump. European leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and Poland’s Donald Tusk, expressed support for Ukraine, while a Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that Sir Keir had spoken to both Mr Trump and Mr Zelenskyy, reiterating his unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
During the meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Zelenskyy, tensions escalated, leading to a shouting match in front of the media. Mr Vance, the US vice president, criticized Mr Zelenskyy for bringing their disagreements into the Oval Office, while Mr Trump accused him of disrespecting the country and gambling with the lives of millions. The Ukrainian president challenged Mr Trump’s approach to Vladimir Putin and urged him not to compromise with a “killer”.
The public confrontation between the two leaders has been described as a disaster for Ukraine and its European allies, and a victory for Russia. The spectacle of the US president berating the Ukrainian president on live television was difficult to watch, with Zelenskyy feeling compelled to defend himself and his country against the harsh criticism. The breakdown in relations between the two leaders highlights the importance of American support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s aggression, with efforts from European allies to keep Trump on their side amidst ongoing talks between the US and Russia. Sin embargo, el lado ucraniano ha intentado trabajar con Washington en lugar de ir en su contra, incluyendo la disposición a renunciar a las ganancias de sus minerales y otros recursos naturales a cambio de involucrar a Trump en una asociación a largo plazo con Ucrania. Todo eso parece estar arruinado – o en el mejor de los casos, en grave peligro. Si Trump, enojado, retira todo su apoyo militar a Ucrania, la capacidad de Kyiv para resistir la militar de Rusia se verá seriamente disminuida. Los europeos carecen de la capacidad para llenar el vacío. La única persona que gana en este escenario es Vladimir Putin.