John Healey, the UK Defence Secretary, is set to meet his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, in Washington on Thursday, amid ongoing efforts to bridge a transatlantic rift over Ukraine’s future security. The meeting comes as European leaders convene in Brussels for urgent talks on sustaining military and diplomatic support for Kyiv.
The UK and its European allies are increasingly concerned about the US decision to pause intelligence-sharing with Ukraine. The move, announced following a tense meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has raised alarms about Kyiv’s ability to defend itself effectively. The decision may also impact Ukraine’s use of long-range Western weaponry, such as US-made Himars launchers, which rely on real-time intelligence for precision targeting.
High-stakes diplomacy in Washington
Mr Healey’s visit was confirmed last week after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a rise in the UK’s defence spending to 2.5% of GDP. The trip signals Britain’s intent to reinforce its role in European security, particularly as concerns mount over Washington’s shifting stance on the Ukraine conflict.
Speaking to reporters upon arrival in the US Capitol, Mr Healey avoided direct comments on the intelligence-sharing pause but stated, “Those are discussions for tomorrow, but it’s part of a two-day programme and we’re working hard for peace.”
Despite the intelligence freeze, US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has insisted that talks between Washington and Kyiv are ongoing. “I just got off the phone with my counterpart, the Ukrainian national security adviser,” he told reporters. “We are having good discussions about the next round of negotiations, the composition of delegations, and the key issues at stake. I think we’re going to see movement in very short order.”
Macron’s nuclear deterrence proposal
Meanwhile, at a summit of EU leaders in Brussels, French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed opening discussions on the potential role of France’s nuclear deterrent in safeguarding the European continent. France remains the only nuclear power in the EU following Brexit, and Mr Macron’s comments reflect growing concerns about Europe’s security independence.
In a televised address, Mr Macron described Moscow as a “threat to France and Europe” and stressed the need to explore new security frameworks that do not solely rely on US military protection. “Europe’s future does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow,” he declared, adding that “the innocence of the last 30 years” – since the fall of the Berlin Wall – is “now over.”
Mr Macron also revealed that Russia is allocating 40% of its national budget to military spending, with plans to expand its army by 2030 by adding 300,000 soldiers, 3,000 tanks, and 300 jet fighters. “Who can believe that today’s Russia will stop at Ukraine?” he asked.
Zelensky’s appeal for lasting security guarantees
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Mr Macron’s initiative and emphasised the need for firm, long-term security guarantees. “Peace must be real, not just a word—it cannot mean Ukraine’s capitulation or collapse,” he said. “It must be just, reliable, and lasting, and this can only be achieved through strong and long-term security guarantees — for Ukraine, Europe, and the entire world.”
Mr Zelensky is also expected to join the EU summit in Brussels, where leaders will discuss further military aid packages and potential new sanctions against Russia.
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US-Ukraine relations under strain
Tensions between Washington and Kyiv reached a low point last week after a proposed minerals agreement collapsed during a dramatic confrontation between Mr Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Mr Zelensky. However, in a speech to Congress on Wednesday, President Trump suggested a possible thaw in relations, revealing that he had received a letter from Mr Zelensky indicating Kyiv’s willingness to negotiate a deal “at any time.”
“I appreciate that he sent this letter,” Mr Trump said. “We’ve had serious discussions with Russia and have received strong signals that they are ready for peace. Wouldn’t that be beautiful?”
The UK’s commitment to European security
Before his trip, Mr Healey reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to transatlantic defence cooperation, calling the US-UK alliance a “special relationship.” He also underscored Europe’s need to take greater responsibility for its security.
“The Prime Minister was clear following his meetings over the past week that we will continue our dialogue with friends and allies to secure a path to a lasting peace in Ukraine,” Mr Healey said. “We will advance that work in Washington over the coming days.”
As diplomatic efforts intensify on both sides of the Atlantic, European leaders remain cautious but determined to secure a resolution that ensures Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term stability.
