Strengthening Military Alliances: Britain and France Respond to Shifting Global Dynamics
In a significant move to bolster their military collaboration, Britain and France are set to enhance their defense ties in light of former President Donald Trump’s administration distancing the United States from European allies. During discussions held in Paris on Tuesday evening, UK Defence Secretary John Healey and his French counterpart, Sébastien Lecornu, explored avenues to modernize their bilateral relationship. The discussions aimed at “enhancing how our militaries operate together” while “stepping up collaboration between our defense industries”.
Both leaders, alongside UK Labour leader Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, have been at the forefront of international efforts to establish a “coalition of the willing”. This coalition is envisioned to support a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine, contingent upon successful negotiations with Russia to bring an end to the ongoing conflict.
Healey and Lecornu deliberated over a “reboot” of the Lancaster House agreements, originally forged between then-Prime Minister David Cameron and President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2010. This foundational pact focused on closer defense and security cooperation between the two nations. It also included provisions for sharing research on vital nuclear stockpile technologies, given both nations are recognized as nuclear powers.
Concerns regarding the future of both the UK and French nuclear deterrents have intensified following Trump’s assertions that Europe must contribute more significantly to its own security. Notably, while British Trident warheads are maintained under UK control, they rely on US facilities for upkeep and repairs.
Recent developments indicate a breakthrough in the stalled dialogue between Washington and Kyiv. The US has agreed to resume intelligence sharing with Ukraine following a contentious exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last month. This shift follows what has been described as “positive” discussions about a peace agreement involving Trump’s national security adviser and Secretary of State with Ukrainian officials, which concluded with Zelensky’s administration expressing readiness to accept a 30-day ceasefire.
Despite the coalition of the willing talks led by Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, clarity remains elusive regarding the number of nations, beyond the UK and France, willing to commit troops to support Ukraine.
Upcoming Discussions and Strategic Goals
On Wednesday, Healey, Lecornu, and defense ministers from Germany, Italy, and Poland will convene in Paris to discuss enhancing deterrence through NATO, increasing defense production, and securing a stable future for Ukraine. Following this, Starmer will host a virtual follow-up to the Lancaster House meeting held last month, where the coalition of the willing was first proposed.
During the joint defense meeting at Val-de-Grace chapel in Paris, the E5 nations will collectively commit to strengthening defense cooperation with all European allies. This includes a focus on:
- Enhancing deterrence through NATO
- Boosting defense production
- Securing Ukraine’s future
All five nations are united in their belief that Ukraine must be central to any negotiations, striving to position Kyiv as strongly as possible in the face of ongoing challenges. The UK Ministry of Defence has emphasized that these nations recognize the imperative to enhance their homeland defenses as well.
Healey stated, “We are at a decisive moment for the future of Ukraine and for the security of Europe. As E5 nations, we acknowledge the need to take on greater responsibility for European security. The UK remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine, and we will continue to lead alongside our European partners as we advocate for a just and enduring peace.”
Peacekeeping Efforts: Navigating Challenges Without US Support
As peace negotiations progress, Downing Street has indicated that Starmer aims to ensure that US security guarantees are in place as a crucial backing for any multinational peacekeeping force. Starmer’s official spokesperson reiterated, “The position regarding security guarantees remains unchanged, as they are vital for ensuring a durable and sustainable peace in Ukraine.”
When questioned about the feasibility of a peacekeeping force without US support, the spokesperson emphasized, “The Prime Minister has consistently maintained that a US backstop is essential to provide a credible deterrent against [Vladimir] Putin, preventing him from using any ceasefire as an opportunity to regroup and rearm.”
A senior European diplomat remarked on the complexities of building a coalition of willing nations to safeguard Ukraine outside existing frameworks like NATO and the EU, describing it as “nightmarishly difficult”, yet possibly the most viable option available. They highlighted the challenge of establishing a “robust command and control framework” that would allow diverse military forces to operate cohesively in Ukraine.
In addition to the UK and France, Turkey is likely to play a pivotal role in this coalition, given its position as the second-largest army within NATO and its significant naval influence over the Bosphorus Straits leading into the Black Sea. Although European leaders desire US support for the coalition, the diplomat suggested that if such backing does not materialize, Europe might “have to proceed anyway”, as security guarantees are fundamental to Ukraine’s ongoing viability.
Following the recent diplomatic breakthrough in Riyadh, there are growing questions regarding Russia’s willingness to participate in discussions aimed at finalizing a peace deal. Earlier, in response to reports of Putin’s reluctance to make concessions, Starmer’s spokesperson stated, “We all want to see an end to this war in Ukraine. It is within Russia’s power to achieve this; it could withdraw its forces at any time to end its illegal invasion.”
He added, “We are collaborating with Ukraine, the US, France, and other partners to develop credible peace proposals that include necessary security guarantees to ensure a lasting peace. However, I won’t speculate on the outcome of those talks. Ultimately, President Putin could bring this war to a conclusion tomorrow if he chose to do so.”
