British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to encourage European leaders to “maintain pressure” on Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking his presence as the first UK leader at a European Council meeting since Brexit.
During a conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Mr. Starmer expressed that he was “eagerly anticipating” his attendance at the informal EU leaders’ retreat in Belgium.
At the event, the prime minister will address proposals for a UK-EU defence and security partnership “to confront the generational challenges we all face,” as indicated in a press release from his Downing Street office.
He will also urge European nations to “persist in holding Putin accountable” and “step up to take on a greater share of the responsibilities to safeguard Europe against Russia’s escalating campaign of sabotage and destruction across our continent”.
Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently laid wreaths at The Wall of Remembrance for the Fallen for Ukraine in Kyiv.
The return of US President Donald Trump to the White House has intensified the need for Europe’s support of Ukraine, as the Republican has promised a swift conclusion to the conflict, leaving EU leaders concerned that he may marginalize them and push Ukraine into an unfavorable agreement.
“President Trump has threatened additional sanctions on Russia, and it’s evident that this has unsettled Putin,” Mr. Starmer remarked ahead of his journey.
“We are aware that he is worried about the condition of the Russian economy.”
By maintaining stringent sanctions on Russia’s energy income and the companies supplying its missile production, the UK and its European allies could “cripple Putin’s war machine,” he emphasized.
Mr. Starmer is scheduled to meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte before engaging with the leaders of the 27 EU Member States at an informal European Council meeting.
This session is part of Mr. Starmer’s “ongoing dedication to enhancing our partnership with the European Union,” according to Downing Street.
Reestablishing post-Brexit relations with the EU is a pivotal aspect of Mr. Starmer’s foreign policy strategy, having been a prominent advocate for remaining in the bloc during the 2016 referendum.
