SIR KEIR STARMER’S attempts to position himself as the head of a pro-Ukrainian “coalition of the willing” means more arms spending at the expense of the poor in Europe, Stop the War said today.

Downing Street said that the Prime Minister “remains absolutely focused on a solution to this conflict grounded in Ukraine’s national interests” before he was due to co-chair a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

US President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance were set to join the virtual call, with the PM set to co-chair a meeting to update wider partners on the day’s discussions.

Members of the British, French and Ukrainian-led 31-country coalition, which does not include the US, have pledged strengthened support for Kiev.

The call between European and US leaders comes ahead of the expected meeting between Mr Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, where the pair are to discuss the future of the Kremlin’s invasion, without the presence of Mr Zelensky.

Stop the War convener Lindsey German said: “You don’t have to support Trump or Putin to see that the war in Ukraine is bringing devastation to the Ukrainian people while making Europe a much more dangerous place. 

“The rearmament of Europe is continuing at a rapid pace. Starmer wants to put himself at the head of a ‘coalition of the willing’ but this means more arms spending, more deaths and injuries, and more poverty for the people of Europe.

“The war could have ended three years ago but the then prime minister Boris Johnson insisted it continued. 

“Trump cannot be trusted but nor can the European leaders. They fear Trump but appease him at the same time. 

“Cancel the Trump state visit, stop stoking war and help build a real and lasting peace for eastern Europe. That can’t be done by promoting war.”

Mr Vance was also set to meet US troops stationed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and, reportedly, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage for breakfast in the Cotswolds today.

It follows his meeting with shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick and shadow home secretary Chris Philp on Tuesday.