European involvement is deemed essential for establishing lasting peace in Ukraine, according to UK business secretary Jonathan Reynolds. He emphasized the importance of European nations, particularly Ukraine, participating in discussions to end the conflict with Russia. Reynolds addressed concerns over potential exclusion of European countries, including Ukraine, from peace talks, highlighting the need for unity among US allies.
In response to these concerns, European leaders, led by Sir Keir Starmer, will convene in Paris while US officials plan to engage with Russian negotiators separately. Reynolds suggested that the UK could serve as a mediator between the US and Europe, bridging any gaps in their stance on defence spending. The Trump administration is advocating for Nato allies to increase their defence spending to 5% of GDP, prompting the UK government to consider raising it from 2.3% to 2.5% without a specific timeline.
Former head of the Army Lord Dannatt urged Labour to exceed the 2.5% target, expressing concerns about the UK’s military capacity for future peacekeeping missions in Ukraine. Despite discussions about defence spending, Reynolds believes the UK can play a significant role as a bridge between the US and Europe amidst shifting global dynamics. He acknowledged challenges in negotiations but stressed the importance of involving Europe and Ukraine for a sustainable peace settlement.
As preparations for the emergency summit in Paris ramp up, details emerge about the differing approaches taken by the US and European leaders in facilitating peace talks. While Trump’s proposal includes excluding European nations from direct talks with Russia, Macron downplayed the significance of the meeting. Meanwhile, uncertainties persist about Ukraine’s involvement in the negotiations as various parties emphasize the need for careful consideration and firm support for the country’s independence
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