Former US President Donald Trump has attacked UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, saying they have “done nothing” to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. His comments come ahead of Starmer and Macron’s visit to Washington, where they will meet with President Joe Biden.
Criticism of Starmer and Macron
In his comments, Trump expressed frustration with the current Western leadership and said that while Starmer and Macron have taken various steps to assist Ukraine, in his opinion, they have not done enough to address the root causes of the war and have not done enough to move towards a lasting peace agreement.
“Starmer and Macron are just talking. They haven’t done anything to stop the war. They’re just sitting back and watching it get worse,” Trump said in an interview. “Now is the time for real leadership, and I have the experience I can use to bring peace to this region.”
Starmer and Macron's visit to Washington
Both Starmer and Macron will soon travel to Washington, where they will discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and broader European security with President Biden. These discussions are likely to focus on aid to Ukraine, military aid, and progress in peace talks.
Trump's comments come as part of a criticism of Western policy at the time, where he has previously indicated that he is willing to adopt a different foreign policy to quickly resolve the war in Ukraine. According to him, the way Western countries have been supporting Ukraine has actually been less effective.
Trump has been critical of NATO and the European Union during his presidency, saying the United States should not be too involved in European wars. He plans to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin if re-elected, and believes this would help bring about a quick resolution to the Ukraine war.
Trump's comments have drawn some negative reactions, with many praising his isolationist approach, but others claiming his approach could undermine international unity, which could reduce Western support for Ukraine. Critics say his willingness to negotiate with Putin could seem compromising to many.
In response to Trump's comments, Starmer's Labour Party and Macron's office defended their positions, stating that they were actively working to assist Ukraine and bring peace.
"Keir Starmer and the Labour Party have consistently responded strongly and unitedly to Putin's aggression. We have shown our unwavering support for Ukraine and are working with international allies to ensure that Ukraine can defend itself," Starmer's spokesman said.
Macron's office also issued a statement, reiterating France's commitment to helping Ukraine and establishing a peaceful solution. "President Macron has played a leading role in European peace efforts and has provided important support for Ukraine," the statement said.
As long as the war in Ukraine continues, it will remain a major challenge for world leaders. Starmer and Macron's visit to Washington could be crucial in determining the next steps in future foreign policy and aid to Ukraine.
Trump's comments, which are part of his criticism of Western policies, could become important in determining how the international response and negotiating style changes in the coming weeks.
