Europe Today: Trump, Zelenskyy to meet at UN as EU fails to agree on Russia sanctions

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump for the first time at the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. The primary focus of their conversation is anticipated to be the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Burnham is expected to advocate for the provision of more interceptor missiles to Ukraine, and discuss methods to restore maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been largely obstructed since the initiation of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran in February.

Since ascending to power in July, Burnham and Trump have exchanged just two communications. Trump characterized Burnham as "a nice guy." Previously, as mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham voiced that Trump was unwelcome in the city and pledged not to meet him. Post his election as prime minister, Burnham has indicated his intent to establish "common ground" with the President and pursue a pragmatic approach to the US-UK relations.

Experts suggest that Burnham will be primed for criticism due to his government's decision to prohibit trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Olivia O Sullivan, from the Chatham House think tank, elaborated, "Burnham has a bit of a tightrope to walk," adding, "He’ll want to build rapport. He’ll want to impress upon Trump and the US administration the European stance on Ukraine and the necessity for sustained backing for Ukraine.

He’ll likely leverage the remaining portion of his time at the UN General Assembly to underscore the UK government’s persistent concerns about Gaza and Israeli settlements in the West Bank."

Other potential points of contention with Washington may encompass the oversight of US tech corporations, immigration, and energy policy. Recently, Trump has made a number of remarks deemed controversial in the UK government's perspective, such as backing for Irish unification and questioning the future of the Falkland Islands, a British territory disputed by Argentina.

After Trump's own proposition to seize control of Greenland earlier in the year, Burnham was among the leaders who expressed relief at the agreement reached between Greenland, Denmark, and the US to strengthen American military presence there while maintaining Danish control over the Arctic island. Burnham will deliver a speech at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, outlining his perspective on Britain's position in the evolving global order.