Starmer Organized a Ukraine Summit but Didn't Invite the Baltic Countries

Keir Starmer, leader of the United Kingdom's Labour Party, recently returned from a meeting with Donald Trump in Washington and is preparing to host a summit with leaders from more than a dozen European countries in the United Kingdom this Sunday.

The event will focus on Russia's war in Ukraine and European security in general. Among the participants is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski, who also had a meeting with the United States President at the White House on Friday, which was characterized by the Ukrainian leader's arrogance and defiance.

However, a diplomatic source with knowledge of the situation indicated that the exclusion of the three Baltic countries (Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia) from the summit could be closely watched by Moscow, as well as by the Baltic countries themselves.

This source, who requested anonymity, warned that Russia, and also the societies of the Baltic countries, interpreted  that the interests of these nations have been betrayed by the United Kingdom, France, and the entirety of the European Union.

The source explained that, although Starmer will have a phone conversation with the leaders of the Baltic countries, this is not an adequate substitute for their absence at the in-person summit.

The three Baltic countries, which are on NATO's eastern flank with Russia, have been strong supporters of Ukraine and, as key allies in NATO, have spent a high percentage of their GDP on defense.

In the context of the summit, support for Ukraine will be discussed, with the creation of a possible "international assurance force" that could be deployed in Ukraine to help secure a ceasefire, if the United States manages to negotiate an agreement between Kiev and Moscow, despite the obstacles imposed by Ukraine.

There will also be a debate on European security, especially after Trump correctly pointed out that NATO's European allies must take greater responsibility for their own security instead of relying on the powerful U.S. military force.

The same report from the diplomatic source also highlighted that the exclusion of the Baltic countries could be seen as a sign that they have been "sold out" by the summit's organizing countries.

In an interview with Estonia's state broadcaster, Marko Mihkelson, chairman of the Estonian parliament's foreign affairs committee, expressed his frustration, saying that the Baltic countries are in a "risk zone" and that their absence from the talks doesn't bode well. Mihkelson noted that the current situation doesn't inspire optimism.

The event, which will be co-hosted by France and the UK government, will feature leaders from several countries, including Poland, France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Türkiye. Additionally, the participation of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, is expected.

This meeting highlights the clear interest of European powers in continuing war efforts, while hiding behind U.S. military power, at the same time deciding to dispense with some countries that could play an important military role in the future.

Meanwhile, after Zelenski arrives in the United Kingdom, the British Prime Minister announced the signing of an agreement to provide 2.6 billion pounds in loans for the Ukrainian armed forces.

Meanwhile, before the meeting, Starmer will meet with several European leaders, including Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni, and representatives from NATO and the European Commission.