British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to meet on Thursday for high-stakes discussions, with the ongoing war in Ukraine likely to take center stage. The meeting at Chequers, Starmer’s country retreat, comes as both leaders brace for the inauguration of Donald Trump, whose stance on Ukraine is seen as more isolationist compared to his predecessors.
Both Macron and Starmer have been outspoken in their support of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. However, with Trump’s victory in the November U.S. election, the pair have expressed concern over the future of Western support for Ukraine. Trump has famously pledged to end the war within 24 hours of taking office, a statement that has been met with skepticism across European capitals. Macron, in particular, has suggested the possibility of a post-war peacekeeping force in Ukraine to help stabilize the region, though this remains a contentious issue.
In addition to Ukraine, the leaders are expected to discuss several other pressing matters, including artificial intelligence, economic growth, and legal migration. Macron’s recent criticism of Elon Musk, particularly over Musk’s involvement in the U.S. elections, also adds another layer of complexity to the meeting, given the strained relationship between Musk and various European leaders.
This meeting follows Macron’s recent remarks on Musk’s political influence, which have stirred tension, and Starmer’s ongoing battles with Musk, who has openly criticized the British prime minister. The timing of the talks is crucial, as it precedes two significant events: the upcoming U.K, EU defense meeting scheduled for February 3 and France’s AI Action Summit on February 10 and 11.
The leaders are also expected to have a dinner together, offering an opportunity for further discussions on bilateral and international issues. As the geopolitical landscape shifts with Trump’s impending presidency, the meeting will likely shape future European strategies regarding the Ukraine conflict and other critical global challenges.
