Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron have spoken to “compare notes” on their efforts to secure peace in Ukraine, as the European Union moves to unlock hundreds of billions of euros for defence spending.
Downing Street confirmed that the call between the British Prime Minister and the French President took place on Friday evening, following European leaders’ decision to significantly increase military expenditure. Both leaders have been at the forefront of efforts to form a “coalition of the willing” to support Kyiv in its struggle against Russian aggression.
The conversation came after Sir Keir also spoke with European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and leaders from Canada, Turkey, Norway, and Iceland. During these talks, he praised the EU’s latest financial commitment as a “historic step forward and another sign of Europe stepping up.”
EU defence funding and transatlantic concerns
On Thursday, European leaders backed a new defence spending initiative designed to ease budgetary restrictions, allowing EU member states to bolster their military capabilities. The decision is seen as a direct response to concerns that former US President Donald Trump, should he return to office, may reduce American security assistance to Europe.
The EU’s plan aims to free up around €650 billion (£545 billion) for defence purposes. This move signals a decisive shift in the bloc’s approach to security, ensuring that Europe can take greater responsibility for its own defence.
While a detailed summary of Starmer’s call with Macron is not expected, No 10 has stated that discussions also covered “intensive diplomacy” between the US, UK, France, and Ukraine. The Prime Minister reportedly welcomed the prospect of peace talks in Saudi Arabia next week, following their confirmation by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump’s intervention and stance on Ukraine
As European leaders consolidate their defence strategies, Donald Trump made a surprising statement on his social media platform, TruthSocial, suggesting he was “strongly considering” imposing large-scale banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a final peace agreement is reached.
“Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!” he wrote.
However, during a subsequent Oval Office press conference, Trump appeared to shift his stance, suggesting that Ukraine was proving more difficult to negotiate with than Russia.
“I’m finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine … As you know, we’re meeting in Saudi Arabia some time next week, early, and we’re talking … I find that in terms of getting a final settlement, it may be easier dealing with Russia,” he said.
Trump also claimed to have issued a “very strong statement” to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to stop “bombing the hell out of” Ukraine. However, he remained reluctant to commit to any security guarantees for Kyiv, stating that he preferred to “settle the war” before discussing future arrangements.
The ‘coalition of the willing’ and peacekeeping efforts
Sir Keir Starmer has been working alongside Macron to bring together nations willing to contribute to a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, should a ceasefire be reached. The initiative has gained traction, with discussions involving officials from around 20 predominantly European and Commonwealth countries.
Not all countries involved in the talks are expected to provide troops, but many could contribute in other ways, such as logistical support or financial aid. The UK, in particular, is open to new joint military financing mechanisms, according to Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Speaking to the Financial Times during a trip to Japan, Mr Lammy highlighted the need for more multilateral defence agreements to ensure Europe’s long-term security. “We in the UK are open to those initiatives because this is about European security,” he said.
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Looking ahead: Riyadh peace talks and Ukraine’s resilience
With peace talks scheduled to take place in Riyadh next week, expectations are building over whether a concrete path towards a ceasefire can be established. President Zelensky has indicated that Ukraine remains committed to finding a resolution but insists that Russia must halt its attacks as a first step towards negotiations.
Overnight, Moscow launched fresh strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, underscoring the continued volatility of the conflict. Despite this, Downing Street has suggested that Zelensky’s proposals offer a “good basis” for discussions in Saudi Arabia.
The UK and France are expected to continue their diplomatic efforts in the coming days, with a key meeting of defence chiefs set to take place in Paris on Tuesday. No 10 has described this as another “important moment to drive forward planning” for a potential peacekeeping effort.
As Europe takes greater ownership of its security and prepares for a potential shift in US foreign policy, Starmer and Macron’s leadership in rallying international support for Ukraine remains crucial. The coming weeks will likely determine whether these diplomatic and financial commitments translate into tangible progress on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.
