French, UK leaders rush to Washington at a historic turning point for the West

Leaders of Europe ’s two nuclear powers are rushing to the White House to try to reclaim a central role for themselves and for Ukraine .

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Trump on Monday — the third anniversary of Russia 's brutal invasion of Ukraine .

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will follow on Thursday , with large gaps opening between Washington and London on the reality of Ukraine 's plight.

A key takeaway this week will be whether Trump has any interest given Russia 's opposition to NATO troops in Ukraine under any flag.

Sen. Jack Reed , ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee , accused Trump of “surrendering” to Putin .

French and British leaders will also arrive in Washington as Trump demands steep hikes in defense spending by NATO members.

Macron and Starmer will try to convince the president he will look bad if he fails to drive a hard bargain with Putin .

The European message is going to be a tough sell to a transactional president who doesn't appreciate alliances as a force multiplier for American power.

Macron has already tried to shape Trump ’s thinking on Ukraine , arranging a three -way meeting with the then- US president-elect and Zelensky in Paris last December .

But two months later , the talks do not appear to have left a lasting impression on Trump .