Ukraine summit: Top meeting in London: What comes after the Trump slat?

Less than two days after the unprecedented scandal in the White House between US President Donald Trump and the Ukrainian head of state Wolodymyr Selenskyj, western heads of state and government in London today advise the consequences for Ukraine, Europe and the whole world. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is still traveling from Germany, host at the Lancaster House is the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Overview of the most important questions before the crisis summit.

What do the European allies discuss?

Actually, the summit should only be one of several for how to proceed in the Ukraine War. However, due to the dumping in Washington, the situation has become particularly urgent and explosive. Trump and his vice JD Vance had sharply ripped Selenskyj in the Oval Office in front of the world public and covered with severe allegations, the Ukrainian could not be offered. The talks were canceled, Selenskyj left the white house prematurely.

Europe’s heads of state and government must now find a line in dealing with the powerful US president, and for several possible scenarios: Because the further course of the talks about peace in Ukraine can hardly be predicted.

According to the British government, among other things, a “strong, permanent agreement” should be concerned that ensures a possible peace and ensures that Ukraine could ward off future Russian attacks. Above all, Great Britain and France are ready to park soldiers for a peacekeeping force. But it will also be important how Europe defends itself in the future. The British had recently announced that it would increase their defense spending by 2027 to 2.5 percent of gross domestic product. Other countries are likely to follow suit with the world situation.

What are the consequences of the disagreement for European politics?

The scandal in the White House sent shock waves into the world, especially in Europe there were shaken reactions. Many heads of state and government of the EU demonstratively strengthen their backs. Chancellor Scholz emphasized shortly afterwards: “Ukraine can rely on Germany and Europe.”

It is feared that the disagreement between Trump and Selenskyj could also mean a turning point in transatlantic relationships. With the new US President and his broken departure from traditional allies, it seems increasingly difficult to imagine that the EU and the USA will still develop a common strategy in dealing with Ukraine.

Is there at least unity within the EU?

After the meeting in London, the European Union has the chance to set an example at a special summit on Thursday and to expand support for Ukraine. But someone doesn’t want to participate: Hungary’s right-wing populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is said to have a particularly good connection to Trump and Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin, threatens to block new Ukraine aids. He has succeeded several times because far -reaching decisions in the EU have to be made unanimously.

In a letter to EU Council President António Costa, who has the German Press Agency, Orban wrote that he could not agree to a joint statement by the heads of state and government on Thursday. “In addition to Hungary and the Vatican”, all of Europe is obviously warning, Orban said in an interview by the Hungarian broadcaster TV2. Instead, the EU should follow the example of the United States and lead direct discussions with Russia about an armistice and an agreement in Ukraine.

Who is it particularly important?

The British Prime Minister of Strander and France President Emmanuel Macron took over the role of the tenders during their respective visits to Trump in Washington, if not with completely the same interests. Strander, who sees himself as a bridge builder, brought home the prospect of a trade agreement between the United States and Great Britain. The EU is far from harmony of this kind with Trump. Both Straßer and Macron emphasized their supposedly good relationship with the US President and took care of the corresponding pictures from the Oval Office – but that was before the scandal between Selenskyj and Trump. And nothing has been heard from substantial concessions of the republican to the Europeans anyway.

What role does Germany play?

The fact that Scholz is now only Chancellor is also noticeable in Ukraine diplomacy. While Macron and Starmer have already traveled to Washington to have talks with Trump, this is hardly conceivable for Scholz as a transitional chancellor. The first two peaks of this kind took place in Paris, now it is London. Berlin is outside. Even though Germany in Europe at Ukraine aid plays a leading role as the second largest supporter after the United States.

Why doesn’t Scholz Merz take with him to the summit?

This is not common. Scholz continues the official business as normal until a new government is sworn in, even if its political scope for action is restricted. This also applies to international politics. In the last transition phase between Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and Scholz there was a case in which both traveled together to a summit – for a G20 meeting in Rome. However, this was only because Scholz was normal Minister of Finance and his participation.

However, Scholz coordinates closely with Merz. After the scandal in the White House on Friday evening, the two talked on the London summit. There should also be such a conversation before the EU special meeting next Thursday. “However, a government internship before taking office is not intended for Mr. Merz,” said government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit until Friday again.

What does this mean for government formation in Germany?

The scandal in Washington is likely to influence both content and pace of government formation. The pressure of putting on a fully capable coalition as soon as possible has increased even more. And the likelihood is growing that the Union and SPD will still agree on a special fund in a three -digit billion dollar height for their own defense and the Ukraine aid as long as the old Bundestag – until March 25. The Union, the SPD and Greens are currently no longer have the necessary two-thirds majority, in the new Bundestag.

What will become of NATO now?

After the dumping, it is now particularly about the cohesion of the transatlantic military alliance. There is great concern that the United States can leave NATO and thus withdraw Europe at nuclear protection. In his first term from 2017 to 2021, Trump had temporarily threatened.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte therefore faces the tricky task of ensuring the cohesion of NATO and at the same time supporting Ukraine in the fight against the Russian invasion. He has to convey and soothe. “I think Selenskyj should find a way to restore his relationship with President Trump, which is important for the future,” said Rutte in a BBC interview. He described the dispute in the Oval Office as “unhappy”. Since then he has spoken twice with Selenskyj.

What does Trump do during the summit?

The US President flew to Florida after the exchange of blows with Selenskyj. Trump usually spends the weekends there in his estate Mar-A-Lago, welcomes guests and plays golf. On Saturday, the Republican no longer commented on the scandal with Selenskyj in the White House. On his Truth Social platform, he just published numerous articles on other topics. The White House has not yet announced its plans for Sunday.