Defence Secretary John Healey is set to join his European counterparts in Paris today for crucial talks aimed at advancing peace efforts in Ukraine. The meeting brings together the E5 nations, the five largest military spenders in Europe, with Healey holding discussions alongside the defence ministers of France, Germany, Italy, and Poland.
The UK, in partnership with France, is leading efforts to establish a stabilisation force in Ukraine, should a ceasefire be reached to end the ongoing conflict. This effort underscores the UK’s commitment to ensuring a lasting peace and securing Ukraine’s future after more than three years of warfare.
Ahead of the talks, Healey highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “We are at a decisive moment for the future of Ukraine and for the security of Europe.” He reiterated the UK’s role in pushing for a just and lasting peace, stressing the importance of European nations stepping up their contributions to regional security.
The Defence Secretary also emphasised the need for closer defence cooperation among European countries, an increase in military spending, and enhanced collective strength. “We will not waver in standing with Ukraine and defending our shared values,” Healey added.
The UK’s commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities was further demonstrated by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement that the UK defence budget would rise to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027. Additionally, the Government has recently revealed plans to establish a new hub to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) gain better access to the defence supply chain.
During a recent meeting with his French counterpart, Defence Secretary Healey discussed plans to build a coalition of willing nations to support Ukraine’s future security. They also touched on renewing the Lancaster House Agreement, a key part of the British-French defence relationship, which will focus on improving military cooperation and advancing collaboration between defence industries.
However, Russia has reacted sharply to the UK’s leading role in the peacekeeping mission. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov labelled the British-led stabilisation force as a protection for what he described as Ukraine’s “Nazi regime,” referring to the Ukrainian government’s efforts to marginalise Russian culture, language, and media. Lavrov’s inflammatory comments came after a Russian intelligence official accused Britain of being the “world’s biggest warmonger.”
This diplomatic outburst from Moscow comes just a day after Ukraine launched its largest drone attack of the war, targeting Moscow. Russian officials have repeatedly blamed Western nations, including the UK, for supplying arms to Ukraine and fuelling the ongoing conflict.
The talks in Paris come amid increasing tensions between Russia and the West, as British and French military leaders continue to drive efforts towards peace and stability in the region. In parallel, UK Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, is co-chairing a security conference in Paris with French counterpart Thierry Burkhard, further underscoring the UK’s commitment to strengthening European security.
