Macron And Starmer Reaffirm ‘Unwavering’ Support For Ukraine In Face Of Russian Aggression.
In a show of solidarity, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have vowed their continued support for Ukraine to counteract Russia’s ongoing invasion. Meeting in Paris on Armistice Day, the two leaders reiterated their commitment to backing Ukraine “for as long as necessary,” amidst mounting challenges for European security.
The meeting, held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris to mark Armistice Day, saw Macron personally inviting Starmer as a guest of honour. This marked a symbolic moment, as Starmer became the first British leader to attend the Champs-Élysées Armistice Day commemorations since Winston Churchill in 1944. During the ceremony, Macron and Starmer laid a wreath at the statue of Churchill and honoured French and British troops in a gesture of unity.
In a joint statement issued from the Elysee Palace, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to “support Ukraine unwaveringly” and discussed strategies to reinforce Ukraine’s position as winter approaches. Although specifics were not disclosed, there has been speculation over whether long-range missiles, such as the UK-provided Storm Shadow missiles, might be used to bolster Ukraine’s defences. Downing Street maintained that “no war was ever won by a single weapon,” suggesting that the UK’s support is part of a broader, strategic approach.
The meeting took place at a time when Europe faces uncertainty over future US support for Ukraine following the election of Donald Trump as US President. Trump recently suggested that he could end the war in Ukraine “in one day,” raising questions about the US’s ongoing military and economic support for Ukraine. Reports also emerged of Trump allegedly urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to avoid further escalation—a claim swiftly denied by the Kremlin.
Alongside their commitment to Ukraine, Macron and Starmer also discussed cooperation to address illegal migration in the English Channel, with a focus on countering human trafficking networks. The discussions extended to broader European security concerns and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, underlining both leaders’ intent to deepen bilateral relations between France and the UK in areas of security and defence.
The meeting came amid intensified fighting between Ukraine and Russia, with both nations reportedly launching their largest drone attacks against each other since the war began. Russian defence sources claimed to have intercepted 84 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow and surrounding regions, demonstrating the ongoing escalation of hostilities.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey echoed the government’s commitment to Ukraine, assuring that the UK’s support has not only remained firm but has also intensified with increased aid and defence spending.
Looking forward, UK Treasury Minister Darren Jones highlighted the government’s intention to raise defence spending to 2.5% of national income, signalling the UK’s long-term commitment to European security. However, Jones did not provide a specific timeline for reaching this target.
Macron’s invitation to Starmer highlights the enduring importance of the Franco-British alliance, 120 years after the Entente Cordiale, a historic agreement that laid the foundation for diplomatic cooperation between the two nations. As Europe faces an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, the support of the UK and France for Ukraine serves as a testament to their shared resolve to safeguard the continent’s stability and values.
