Macron and Starmer vow ‘unwavering’ Ukraine support

French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer have pledged to continue supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary to combat Russia’s ongoing invasion. The leaders made the commitment during a meeting on Armistice Day in Paris, marking the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, a historic agreement between France and the UK.

Starmer, who was in Paris as Macron’s guest, participated in commemorations at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and discussed key issues, including the situation in Ukraine and illegal migration across the English Channel. A statement from the Elysee Palace confirmed that both leaders had reaffirmed their “unwavering” commitment to Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s aggression.

The meeting comes as doubts swirl around US President-elect Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine. Trump has suggested that he could end the war “in one day” during his second term, a comment that has raised concerns about the future of US support for Ukraine. Macron and Starmer, however, reiterated their determination to maintain support for Ukraine, with Macron personally inviting the UK leader to Paris for this significant diplomatic moment.

In a joint statement, Macron and Starmer emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s position as it heads into the winter months. However, specific details on the provision of advanced weapons, such as long-range Storm Shadow missiles, were not disclosed. Both leaders are closely monitoring US President Joe Biden’s position on these matters, as Washington has thus far refrained from approving the use of long-range missiles against Russian targets, fearing it could escalate the conflict.

When asked about the potential use of Storm Shadow missiles, a spokeswoman for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized that “no war was ever won by a single weapon.” She explained that the UK’s approach is part of a broader strategy to ensure Ukraine is in the best possible position moving forward, particularly as winter approaches and the conflict enters a crucial phase.

The focus on Ukraine’s defense comes amid heightened concerns about the global ramifications of the war. The weekend saw some of the largest drone attacks between Ukraine and Russia since the beginning of the conflict. Russia’s defense ministry reported intercepting 84 Ukrainian drones over six regions, including some approaching Moscow, signaling an escalation in hostilities.

The growing tensions around Ukraine have raised additional questions about future US involvement, especially following reports of Trump speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin. While Trump reportedly urged Putin to avoid escalating the war, the Kremlin denied the conversation took place, calling the claims “false.” The shifting political landscape in the US has added uncertainty, particularly as Trump’s rhetoric has sometimes suggested a more isolationist approach to global conflicts.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey weighed in on the situation, acknowledging that if Trump’s reported comments were accurate, they were “exactly right” to warn Putin against further escalation. Speaking to the BBC, Healey expressed confidence that US support for Ukraine would remain strong, noting the bipartisan backing the conflict has received in the United States. He also emphasized that the UK’s commitment to Ukraine remains resolute, with increased support and accelerated delivery of aid.

Beyond the war in Ukraine, Macron and Starmer also discussed migration and European security. The leaders committed to stronger cooperation on tackling illegal migration across the English Channel, which has become a contentious issue in both countries. Both leaders have expressed concern about human trafficking networks that exploit migrants attempting to cross the Channel.

During their meeting, Starmer and Macron also reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in areas of defense and security. They agreed on the need to enhance cooperation between the UK and the EU post-Brexit and addressed the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza, where tensions have also escalated.

The UK and France’s unified stance on Ukraine underscores their shared view that countering Russian aggression is essential for the security of Europe as a whole. Macron and Starmer both stressed that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine represents a broader challenge to European stability and must be opposed with firm resolve.

While US involvement remains a key factor in the outcome of the war, the leaders of the UK and France are committed to continuing their support of Ukraine, with a focus on ensuring the country’s defense capabilities remain strong. This includes maintaining pressure on Russia and working together to address the many challenges that the conflict has exacerbated, both in Ukraine and across Europe.

In the UK, Defence Minister Darren Jones indicated that the government intends to increase defense spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP, though the timeline for reaching this target remains unclear. This move reflects the growing recognition of the importance of defense in maintaining national and European security, particularly in light of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, the resolve of global leaders like Macron and Starmer will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the conflict and the future of European security. The UK and France’s commitment to standing by Ukraine, no matter the cost, signals that Western support for Kyiv remains a cornerstone of efforts to counter Russia’s aggressive actions.