Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey are set to meet the EU’s foreign affairs chief on Tuesday to discuss escalating economic pressure on Russia and bolstering support for Ukraine.
The talks come as the UK and France continue efforts to unite a coalition of nations prepared to enforce a future peace agreement. Discussions will also cover cyberattacks and disinformation, key battlegrounds in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
EU-UK co-operation on Ukraine
The meeting, which will also include Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, is expected to focus on strengthening EU-UK co-operation in response to Russia’s continued aggression. Officials will examine ways to increase financial pressure on Moscow and ensure that Russia is held accountable for the destruction it has inflicted on Ukraine.
Additionally, Ms Kallas is due to receive a briefing from the UK’s Chief of the Defence Staff, providing insights into military strategies and the latest intelligence on Russian operations.
Ahead of the meeting, Mr Lammy reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to European security, stating:
“A strong and secure Britain is a foundation of our Plan for Change. This cannot be achieved without strengthening our shared European security and coming together with our partners to ensure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”
He emphasised that more than three years after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion, Europe is at a pivotal moment.
“It’s vital we upgrade our partnership with the EU and work together to bring an end to this war and deliver security for all of our citizens.”
Defence Secretary John Healey echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of the UK’s role in the region:
“This Government is stepping up on European security; deepening our defence relationship with our EU and NATO allies is vital during this critical period. European security starts in Ukraine. The UK and EU are united in our resolve to back Ukraine with the military firepower they need to stand up to Russia’s illegal invasion and secure a lasting peace.”
Diplomatic efforts and US involvement
The meeting follows Mr Lammy’s weekend discussions in Washington with US Vice President JD Vance. Talks reportedly centred on the United States’ recent pause in military intelligence sharing and the potential for a ceasefire.
On Tuesday, former US President Donald Trump is expected to continue diplomatic efforts by holding direct talks with Vladimir Putin. However, the Kremlin has remained resistant to American-backed proposals for a 30-day ceasefire.
Mr Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Monday night, revealing that progress had been made but that significant obstacles remained:
“Many elements of a Final Agreement have been agreed to, but much remains. Thousands of young soldiers, and others, are being killed. Each week brings 2,500 soldier deaths, from both sides, and it must end NOW. I look very much forward to the call with President Putin.”
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UK’s “coalition of the willing”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Downing Street on Monday. Mr Carney, who replaced Justin Trudeau last week, was among international leaders who joined a call regarding Sir Keir’s “coalition of the willing” – an initiative aimed at ensuring a peace deal in Ukraine is upheld.
According to Downing Street, more than 30 countries have expressed willingness to contribute, either by deploying troops, providing logistical support, or assisting in the enforcement of any future agreement.
Despite European-led efforts, No 10 maintains that a US security guarantee remains essential for the success of the plan. Starmer’s Government believes that without strong American backing, ensuring lasting stability in Ukraine will prove difficult.
As diplomatic discussions intensify, the UK and its allies are focused on delivering a united front against Russian aggression while seeking to establish the conditions necessary for a durable peace.
