The departure of Starmer and Macron threatens the existence of the "coalition of the willing" - The Telegraph
Kyiv • UNN
The Telegraph reports that the departure of Keir Starmer and the inability of Emmanuel Macron to run in the next elections create a leadership vacuum in the "coalition of the willing." This could lead to a change in Europe's support for Ukraine, especially given the possible rise in influence of pro-Russian candidates.
The departure of Keir Starmer as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the inability of Emmanuel Macron to run again for the presidency of France jeopardizes the existence of the "coalition of the willing." This is reported by The Telegraph, according to UNN.
Details
The publication notes that Starmer and Macron united over 30 countries to support Ukraine.
But with the departure of Sir Keir and Mr. Macron's inability to participate in the presidential elections next year, there are concerns about a leadership vacuum that could leave Europe without a helm
It is indicated that the "internal stability" of candidates who could fill this void, such as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, remains in doubt, while leadership candidates more sympathetic to Russia, such as Marine Le Pen, are biding their time and could change Europe's support for Ukraine next year.
Concerns about the "slow death" of the "coalition of the willing" are much more focused on Mr. Macron's departure from office. The French president has no choice but to leave the Élysée Palace after the presidential elections next year, when his second term ends. But with no obvious candidate for succession, the bookmakers' favorite to replace him is Ms. Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Rally
According to the authors, Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister of Poland, who leads one of NATO's strongest armies, refused to join any deployment of troops in Ukraine due to his country's proximity to Russia. At the same time, Tusk also faces elections at the end of next year and a "fierce confrontation" with the right-wing Law and Justice party.
Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy, who similarly refused to send troops to Ukraine, also must hold elections in Italy by the end of next year. Although the two leaders, who make up the remnants of the European "Big Five" along with the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, are expected to win, they are unlikely to be considered possible successors to Mr. Macron
They conclude that if Starmer's departure was marked by "celebration of his work," then Macron's departure will most likely "be met with sadness" - "unless, of course, Mr. Burnham can independently take over the leadership of the 'coalition of the willing.'"
Reminder
In July, Moldova and North Macedonia joined the "coalition of the willing." The next meeting will take place in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced.