Prime Minister Keir Starmer has swiftly repositioned the United Kingdom at the center of global diplomacy, acting as a mediator between the United States and the European Union over the Ukraine conflict. His recent efforts have placed London in a strategic role, bridging the gaps in transatlantic policy. Yet, this move comes with considerable risks, especially as US President Donald Trump, who sees himself as the ultimate dealmaker, remains a key player in shaping the war’s outcome. Starmer’s maneuvering might restore the UK’s influence in Europe, but it could also strain the so-called special relationship with Washington, exposing Britain to the unpredictable swings of US politics.

The UK’s diplomatic ambitions under Starmer signal a post-Brexit shift, but not necessarily a reversal. Brexit distanced Britain from the EU in terms of economic and political structures, yet security cooperation over Ukraine has demonstrated that London remains deeply entangled with European affairs. Starmer has now positioned himself as a pragmatic negotiator, attempting to smooth out the sharp edges of Washington’s hardline posturing while bolstering European defense policies to support Kyiv. However, the success of this strategy depends on whether Trump perceives Britain as a partner or a challenger to his own deal-making ambitions.

The weekend summit in London, where Starmer engaged with EU and NATO leaders, underscored the UK’s intent to be a stabilizing force in the Ukraine crisis. By advocating for a “coalition of the willing” to enforce a future ceasefire, Starmer signaled his commitment to preventing the war from slipping further into chaos. But his efforts raise a fundamental question: is the UK truly regaining its influence in European security, or is it merely filling a temporary vacuum?

The biggest uncertainty in Starmer’s........

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