The European Union is discussing a new aid package for Ukraine and will probably make it public on Monday, NOVA reported. Defense Commissioner Andrews Kubilius said that the goal is to urgently send a very strong message to the Ukrainians that Europe is with them.
French President Emmanuel Macron earlier confirmed that he would talk to Trump in Washington on Monday. "What I will do is tell President Donald Trump: "You cannot be weak in the face of Putin. This is not you, it is not in your interest. How can you be reliable in the face of China if you are weak in the face of Putin? "You, who don't want Iran to get a nuclear bomb, can't be weak with someone who helps them get one. How can you explain that China has no right to invade Taiwan and that Russia, for its part, would have the right to invade Ukraine?" Macron asked rhetorically.
Trump himself responded on Friday night. "I had very good conversations with Putin and I haven't had such good conversations with Ukraine. "They have no cards, but they are playing hard to get," the US president replied.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also announce a new package of support for Ukraine, even as Donald Trump is pressuring Kiev to back down and accept a peace deal with Russia, the "Daily Telegraph" reported, quoted by BNR.
Donald Trump said Keir Starmer was "a nice guy but did nothing to end the war in Ukraine" amid a growing divide between the US and Europe. The US has also indicated that it may abandon international efforts to prosecute Russia for war crimes. The "Daily Telegraph" however, revealed that Keir Starmer will use the third anniversary of the Russian invasion to "deal a triple blow" of measures, including military aid and sanctions.
This is in stark contrast to Trump's approach, who in recent days has called Zelensky a "dictator" and urged a swift end to the conflict.
The new package of support for Ukraine risks disappointing the White House. However, a senior government source defended the approach, saying: "We have always said that we want to put Ukraine in the strongest position, whether that is to enter negotiations or to continue the fighting".
The differences between London and Washington will be put in the spotlight when Starmer visits the White House for private talks with Trump on Thursday, the publication commented, but added that in an attempt to reduce tensions, the British prime minister is expected to announce that 2.5% of the UK's GDP will be allocated to defense, and this will probably happen by 2030. Starmer will also deliver an invitation from the King to Trump for a state visit to the UK, making him the first elected leader in modern history to be given the honour twice.