**Business Secretary Says EU Needs to be Involved in Ukraine Peace Talks**
The UK‘s Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, has said that there can be “no durable peace” in Ukraine without the involvement of European countries. He spoke to the BBC on Sunday.
Reynolds downplayed divisions between the US and its allies over resolving the conflict with Russia. The Trump administration has been holding talks with Russian negotiators, but these talks have excluded European leaders, including those from Ukraine.
**UK Can Act as a “Bridge”**
The Business Secretary said that the UK can act as a bridge between the US and Europe to strengthen relations. He also said that the UK government will set out a roadmap to increase defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of national output.
Reynolds was asked if this figure would be sufficient, but he replied that any decision would take threats to national security into account. He also acknowledged that the threat had “just got bigger without the US”.
**European Leaders to Meet in Paris**
In response to the Trump administration’s approach, European leaders will meet in Paris on Monday. Sir Keir Starmer has said that this is a “once-in-a-generation moment for our national security” and that Europe must take a greater role in Nato.
Reynolds also said that it was essential for Europe and Ukraine to be involved in peace talks for any settlement to be lasting.
**Concerns Over US Approach**
There are concerns over the Trump administration’s approach, with some critics saying that this will leave Ukraine and the rest of Europe at risk of future Russian aggression. Conservative former Prime Minister Sir John Major has warned that democracy is under threat as the US steps back from its leading role in the world.
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