While Trump moves toward de-escalation in Ukraine, Starmer is doubling down on support for Kyiv, stating the U.K. is “ready and willing” to send British troops if necessary. This stance stands in contrast to Macron and Scholz’s more cautious approach.

Europe wants to have a place at the table. Well, I told them, fight yourself a way to the table by coming up with concrete proposals,” said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

New US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to assume the role of backseat driver in his first in person meeting with European counterparts on Wednesday as the new Trump administration works to shift responsibility for Ukrainian and European security squarely to NATO and the EU.