As Keir Starmer assesses the damage caused to the US-Ukrainian relationship due to the Oval Office conflict, he is determined to repair the diplomatic harm but faces significant challenges due to mutual antagonism in both the US and Europe. Starmer, lacking strong cards in his hand, had already played his options and failed to prevent the US-Ukraine breakdown.

He offered President Trump an unprecedented second state visit and rushed through cuts in the overseas aid budget to present Trump with an increase in UK defense spending. Despite positive atmosphere, Starmer, like Emmanuel Macron, couldn’t extract a clear US commitment to provide security guarantees. Starmer will have to lead a conversation at the upcoming defense summit on whether Trump’s mind is made up or if reconciliation is still possible.

European leaders gathered in London for a defense summit will need to decide how to handle the situation with Trump and determine if Europe can fill the void if the US withdraws its aid to Ukraine. Some believe that Europe must work on filling the gap. The summit will also assess how long Ukraine can hold out without US support and whether it’s better to seek peace early or late. Some want to restore their relationship with Trump, while the US seems determined to mend its relationship with Russia. Europe is alone in its conflict with Russia, and the continent must determine if it has the strength to force Moscow’s retreat. Starmer’s decision between Europe and the US becomes increasingly important.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/mar/01/after-trump-zelenskyy-spat-starmer-ukraine-trump-zelensky