Trump Turns Up Heat On Ukraine, Europe Scrambles: Macron, Merz, Starmer Join Call | World News

Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (December 10) to discuss ongoing US-led mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine, a French official confirmed.

According to the official, the leaders expressed their support for initiatives aimed at a lasting peace in Ukraine and an end to ongoing violence. “Intensive work continues and will progress in the coming days,” the official added, emphasizing the importance of continued coordination among key international partners.

The leaders emphasized that Ukraine is at a critical juncture not only for its citizens but also for the common security of the Euro-Atlantic region. The call comes as European officials continue to cooperate closely with Washington on strategies towards Ukraine despite rising tensions in transatlantic relations.

In an interview published Tuesday, Trump criticized Europe’s handling of immigration and the war in Ukraine, calling the continent “rotting” and “weak.” He also pressured Ukraine to go ahead with elections despite the ongoing conflict, claiming that Moscow now has the “upper hand”.

Trump’s statements received harsh reactions from many European capitals following the announcement of the US administration’s new national security strategy.

He argued that Europe’s migration policies left nations vulnerable, saying “They want to be politically correct and that weakens them”, adding that there were “really stupid ones” among European leaders.

Recalling a past NATO summit meeting, Trump said, “NATO calls me father,” while also criticizing defense contributions, “They talk, but they do not produce. And the war still continues.”

Despite these tensions, European governments have intensified their efforts to maintain alignment with Washington, especially on Ukraine.

A French minister described the US approach as an “extremely brutal exposition” of America’s current stance.

Trump also criticized countries including Britain, France, Germany, Poland and Sweden for being “destroyed” by immigration. He took aim at London Mayor Sadiq Khan, calling him “terrible, vicious, disgusting”, prompting him to respond that the US president was “obsessed” with him.

Trump reiterated that an election should be held regarding Ukraine and said, “I think it is an important time to hold an election. They are using war, not to hold elections… It is now reaching the point of no longer being a democracy.”

Ukraine postponed the 2024 elections due to martial law following Russia’s invasion in 2022.

Trump added that it would be “good” for President Volodymyr Zelensky to consider the US-backed plan and pointed out the ongoing human losses, “A lot of people are dying.”

US negotiators recently held talks in Moscow and continued talks with Ukrainian officials, but no progress has been announced so far.

Responding on Tuesday, Zelensky said Ukraine was “ready for elections” if security conditions were met and indicated that Kiev planned to present an updated version of its position on the US proposal.