This week, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer plan to visit Washington, D.C., in an effort to persuade former President Donald Trump to reconsider his stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Macron's visit coincides with the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, symbolizing the urgency surrounding the discussions.

Starmer is scheduled to arrive in Washington on Thursday.

In advance of the meetings, Macron has engaged in discussions with key European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen.

The leaders aim to propose the deployment of a contingent of 30,000 European troops in Ukraine, intended to help enforce a ceasefire.

A central focus of their discussions will be to secure U.S. involvement in providing air cover to protect Ukraine's newly established borders.

Trump's previous opposition to direct U.S. military support complicates these negotiations.

Macron has publicly expressed confidence that he maintains a cordial relationship with Trump.

Recent interactions have included invitations extended to Trump for ceremonial events, such as the reopening of Notre Dame, where Macron reportedly showcased a warm reception.

The French presidency has indicated that Macron plans to stress to Trump the necessity of involving European nations in discussions regarding Ukraine, and the need for a stronger stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Meanwhile, Starmer's government is poised to announce a significant package of sanctions against Russia, marking the most robust measures implemented since the onset of the conflict.

This announcement aligns with Starmer's previous calls for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to be included in peace negotiations with Russia, highlighting the contrasting perspectives of Starmer and Trump.

The recent Defence Strategic Review in the UK identified Russia as the most severe threat to British national security, reflecting heightened concerns within the UK government regarding the implications of Putin's actions.

Historically, Trump has expressed skepticism towards the effectiveness of both the UK and France in addressing the crisis in Ukraine.

However, he has softened his critical tone in light of Starmer's rightward shift on issues such as immigration and security policy.

Starmer's upcoming meetings at the White House seek to navigate these complex dynamics and move beyond past disagreements.

American Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth has articulated a perception that European security is no longer a priority for the U.S., a development that poses challenges as NATO allies contend with Russian military activities near their borders.

In the context of defense spending, Starmer is expected to assure Trump that the UK will increase its defense expenditure to 2.5% of GDP; however, details on the timeline and funding for this commitment remain unclear.

The discussions will also address potential tariffs that Trump has so far avoided imposing on trade with the UK, especially critical given the need for the UK to secure strong trade partnerships in a post-Brexit landscape.

The British media has been closely following the upcoming diplomatic efforts, offering various insights and recommendations for Starmer on how to engage with Trump.

Suggestions include recognizing Trump's ego and delivering concise messages to maintain his attention.

Notable figures, including former military advisor Herbert R. McMaster, have advised against conceding to Russian demands prematurely, particularly concerning sanctions.

In summary, while both Macron and Starmer endeavor to make strides in Washington, significant ideological divides remain between the United States and Europe regarding approaches to the Ukraine conflict.