Macron, Starmer to Visit White House Next Week

French President Emmanuel Macron will be the first European leader to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington next week, ahead of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit. Macron plans to urge Trump not to show weakness against Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the potential global implications of such a stance. As both leaders seek to influence U.S. policy on Ukraine and European security, tensions have heightened following the U.S.'s recent shift in support for Ukraine. Starmer aims to position himself as a bridge between the U.S. and Europe, with calls for increased UK defense spending expected to be a key topic of discussion. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has communicated with both leaders, expressing appreciation for their support in Ukraine's ongoing conflict. The diplomatic engagements come amid concerns from Eastern European nations regarding potential Russian aggression and the need for stronger security guarantees.