Today, the United Kingdom is hosting foreign ministers from key European Union countries including France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Poland as well as EU representatives, to discuss increased support for Ukraine and regional defense cooperation.
This high-level meeting precedes a summit on May 19 between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Union leaders, where discussions will focus on securing a new defense agreement and reinforcing post-Brexit trade relations. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the critical nature of current security challenges, describing them as existential for Europe.
The UK, alongside France, Germany, and Poland, recently traveled to Kyiv to support Ukraine’s demand for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, with backing from U.S. President Donald Trump. These nations jointly warned Russian President Vladimir Putin of potentially “massive” new sanctions unless he agrees to peace efforts. Putin has since proposed direct talks with Ukraine.
The UK aims to use this meeting as a platform to bolster European security amid escalating tensions.
