Starmer, Macron plan to join Zelensky for White House talks

Following a tense meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump, plans are being considered for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron to accompany Zelensky on a potential upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. The previous meeting resulted in a suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, causing concern among European allies. Macron and Starmer are seen as leaders of a European coalition aiming to mediate and restore relations, with potential proposals including post-war security guarantees. Despite mixed signals from French and British officials about the trip, there is a significant push for Zelensky to demonstrate willingness for peace talks and reconciliation. President Trump has expressed some openness to negotiation following a letter from Zelensky, but no commitments have been made to restore aid. This diplomatic effort underscores the urgency felt by European leaders to maintain Western alliances and support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.