Following a meeting with world leaders, Starmer has announced a £1.6bn financing package to Ukraine, the creation of a “Coalition of the Willing”, and that a deal to be presented to Trump. He has emphasised:
- The importance of the US’s participation in the coalition
- His trust in the US as an ongoing ally to Europe
- His confidence that a deal will be reached
i hope this is just one step in a strategy beginning by telling Trump he is not one in the “Coalition Of The Willing” anymore.
Things may escalate rapidly after
stayingstating Europe’s position.I suspect it will be, “here is our final offer, get on board or face the consequences”. I do wonder whether Europe and Canada are going to try and apply any sort of leverage over Trump or whether they have already accepted that they will have to go it alone. If the latter happens I predict a full on meltdown from Trump that will make his Zelenskyy interaction look sane.
I think of you offer anything that even smells like an ultimatum, Trump’s going to respond with tariffs. For some reason, he’s behaving like a rabid dog backed into a corner, and he’s lashing out at any and every perceived threat.
Rather, I think Europe should intend on proceeding without the US. Trump said it himself, “We’re out.” Take him at his word, and act accordingly. He will either see the light, or he won’t.
European countries can attempt to continue relations with the US, separate from Ukraine, unless Trump wants to make it about Ukraine. If he does, it should be explained that Ukraine’s not on the table, the US has stated their position (they’re out), and Europe is respecting that.