Can Starmer stop Trump’s Ukraine sell-out? – Politics Weekly Westminster
Feb 24, 2025
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Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey dive into the brewing tensions between Donald Trump and Ukraine as Keir Starmer prepares for a critical diplomatic mission. They discuss the implications of Trump's conflict with Kyiv on international relations, specifically regarding peace talks and Ukraine's representation. The conversation also delves into the complexities of trade negotiations post-Brexit, particularly the India deal, and highlights the importance of building political connections in Westminster. Their blend of serious analysis and humor makes for an engaging listen.
26:34
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Quick takeaways
Keir Starmer's upcoming visit to the White House aims to convince President Trump to reconsider his stance on Ukraine amidst escalating tensions.
The podcast highlights the shifting dynamics of international diplomacy, emphasizing the need for European leaders to recalibrate strategies in response to unpredictable U.S. alliances.
Deep dives
The Changing Landscape of Global Politics
Recent developments in international relations have significantly altered the dynamics of the conversation, particularly regarding Ukraine's role in future negotiations. President Trump's unexpected outreach to Vladimir Putin has surprised many, reshaping the approach to a conflict that has seen little progress since the Russian invasion three years ago. The evolving narrative involves contentious dialogues, with Trump labeling Zelensky a dictator, which escalated tensions between the nations and highlighted the risks of sidelining Ukraine in peace discussions. If negotiations do not include Ukraine, any potential resolution could undermine its interests and create instability across Europe.
Keir Starmer's Diplomatic Strategy
As Keir Starmer prepares for his significant diplomatic trip to the United States, his approach seems calculative, focusing on maintaining strong relations with Trump while avoiding confrontational statements. Starmer's team recognizes that it's essential to avoid publicly criticizing Trump to ensure continued support for Ukraine and British interests. There is speculation that Starmer may attempt to directly address Trump's misconceptions about Putin, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of Russia's aggressive actions. His conversations will also focus on enhancing defense spending and broader security collaborations without provoking antagonism from Trump.
The Implications of Shifting Foreign Alliances
The complex interplay of alliances is echoing throughout Europe as leaders engage in strategies to navigate their relationships with Trump, signaling a shift in how nations see the U.S. as an ally. Conversations among European leaders, including efforts from Macron and other key figures, aim to dissuade Trump from yielding to Putin's demands while reinforcing their positions of strength. Observers note that, as the political climate shifts, European nations are preparing for a future where U.S. alignment is unpredictable, necessitating a recalibration of defense and diplomatic strategies. The outcome of these engagements will likely set the tone for how Western powers collectively address security and diplomatic challenges moving forward.
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look ahead to a pivotal week of diplomacy for Keir Starmer as he prepares to visit the White House. With Donald Trump’s hostility towards Kyiv looming large over the three-year anniversary of Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine, can the prime minister persuade the US president to change tack? Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
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