Keir Starmer tells world leaders to 'double down' on efforts to help Ukraine during visit to Poland, days before Donald Trump's return as US president threatens international solidarity on the issue I called out.
After sitting alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to discuss the proposed defense-focused treaty, Starmer dodged questions about Trump's possible influence, but said the only way forward was “Peace on the terms of peace.''
It also came as Mr Tusk, who served as President of the European Council for most of the Brexit period, said it had been “my dream” for the UK to return to the EU – “not Brexit, but rejoining the EU”. He also faced some seemingly awkward moments. – This is by no means British government policy.
Mr Starmer spoke with Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Thursday during his first official visit to Ukraine since taking office, but said the meeting in Warsaw was dominated by defense and security issues.
“As Europe's two largest military powers, and with our armed forces working together to protect the East, we share an unwavering commitment to NATO and an unwavering commitment to Ukraine,” he said.
“Together we are clear that the path to a just and lasting peace comes through strength – the power to secure and sustain peace on Ukraine’s terms. We are committed to that objective. “We will work with our allies to ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest position today and can protect itself and deter Russia in the future.”
President Trump has expressed a variety of views on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, many of which focus on his belief that he can broker a quick peace. Ukraine's demand that it not lose any territory is unlikely to be met, and there are big questions about whether Russia will invade Ukraine. The United States will maintain full military and diplomatic support.
On one element of this, President Trump said it would be “insane” to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles to attack Russian targets, but Starmer narrowly sidestepped the question. He said he would not provide “one-by-one commentary on other allies.” But he added, “I think it's absolutely clear that the United States is essential to the defense of Ukraine.”
In a diplomatic gambit ahead of Trump's inauguration on Monday, Mr Starmer promised Mr Zelenskiy in Kiev an “ever closer” partnership, after the UK and Ukraine signed a deal deepening their existing defense relationship. visited Warsaw.
Starmer visited the Auschwitz Memorial and Museum early Friday morning with his Jewish wife Victoria.
Speaking afterwards in Warsaw, he described the impact that his visit to the former Nazi concentration camp had had on him: Killed by the Nazis. I will never forget what I saw today. And I will never forget my responsibility to pass this on to the next generation, to remember, learn and respect our solemn region. ”
