The stakes have never been higher. With the war in Ukraine grinding into its third year, the UK and the EU are joining forces to tighten the economic noose around Russia and bolster Europe’s defence capabilities. In a major diplomatic move, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, arrives in London today (18 March) for high-level talks with Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey.
At the heart of these discussions? A rock-solid commitment to Ukraine, countering Russia’s hybrid threats, and ramping up collective defence spending to keep Britain and Europe safe for generations to come.
A United Front Against Russia
This visit marks a significant step in the UK’s renewed engagement with the EU, proving that despite Brexit, European security remains a shared priority. The discussions will centre on increasing economic pressure on Moscow, ensuring that Russia pays for the devastation inflicted on Ukraine.
But economic sanctions are just one piece of the puzzle. Both sides are also tackling Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics, cyberattacks, election interference, and the relentless spread of disinformation. With Russia’s playbook evolving, so too must the UK and EU’s response.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy underscored the urgency of the moment:
“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.”
Stepping Up Defence Initiatives
Military readiness is another key priority. The UK and EU have already trained over 120,000 Ukrainian troops through Britain’s Operation INTERFLEX and the EU’s Military Advisory Mission to Ukraine. Now, discussions will focus on how to expand and refine these training efforts, ensuring Ukrainian forces have the skills and firepower needed to stand their ground.
Kallas will also meet with the Chief of the Defence Staff for a briefing on how to build on the success of Operation INTERFLEX. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to deepen the UK’s defence ties with Europe and NATO.
Defence Secretary John Healey made the UK’s stance crystal clear:
“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.”
Laying the Groundwork for Future Security
Today’s talks come at a crucial time. The UK has already been increasing its engagement with the EU, with European Council meetings in February and March, and EU Presidents von der Leyen and Costa joining a Leaders’ Meeting on Ukraine in London.
Looking ahead, these discussions will pave the way for even closer cooperation at the upcoming UK-EU Summit on 19 May and the UK-hosted Berlin Process Summit later this year. Stability in the Western Balkans, another region where both the UK and EU play a key security role, is also expected to be on the agenda.
As the war in Ukraine continues, the message from London is clear: Britain and the EU are standing firm, strengthening their defences, and ensuring that Putin’s aggression does not go unanswered.
