King Charles, as head of the British armed forces, welcomed top military leaders from both the UK and France to Windsor Castle on Monday afternoon. The royal residence’s White Drawing Room in Berkshire played host to the gathering, which included Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and French counterpart General Thierry Burkhard, along with other senior military officials.
The meeting comes amid intensified Western military planning surrounding a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, with both nations discussing ways to bolster their military cooperation.
Sir Tony, the head of the UK’s armed forces, emphasised that Europe’s two nuclear powers were “stepping up to forge a stronger and deeper partnership”. The discussions focused on efforts to strengthen the European response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Military Chiefs Discuss Strengthening European Defence
The meeting, which was also attended by General Dame Sharon Nesmith, Admiral Sir Ben Key, General Sir Roly Walker, and Air Marshal Allan Marshall, centred around further galvanising military responses to the crisis. From the French side, General Pierre Schill, Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, General Jerome Bellanger, and General Stephane Abrial participated in the discussions.
The talks come as diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire are also underway, with officials from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States meeting in Saudi Arabia.
UK and France Focus on Potential Peacekeeping Mission
Downing Street confirmed that “nothing is off the table” when it comes to potential troop deployments to support Ukraine. While a final decision has not been made, the UK and France are preparing for various military scenarios, including potential peacekeeping missions.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer mentioned that new military sub-planning groups would continue discussions, with “three intensive planning days” scheduled this week to strategise further with EU leaders and non-EU countries.
With talks of a European-led peacekeeping force, operational planning will continue at the UK’s military headquarters in Northwood.
This meeting marks a significant step in strengthening the military relationship between the UK and France, as they prepare for all potential eventualities in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
