Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Paris this morning to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and ways to strengthen Kyiv’s position ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
The two leaders began their discussions by focusing on the situation in Ukraine, including how best to put the country in the “strongest possible position going into the winter” amid concerns over long-term US support for Ukraine under a Trump administration. A Downing Street spokesperson said Ukraine was “top of the agenda” for Starmer and Macron.
The meeting took place against a backdrop of speculation about how Trump could change US policy towards Ukraine when he retakes the presidency next year. Trump had repeatedly talked about ending the war “on day one” during his campaign, raising fears he could pressure Ukraine to cede territory to Russia.
Starmer and Macron also discussed the situation in the Middle East and the migrant crisis in the English Channel. The Prime Minister was the first UK leader since Winston Churchill to attend Armistice Day commemorations in Paris, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier alongside President Macron.
Ahead of the ceremony, Starmer hosted British defence officials, veterans and military personnel at the ambassador’s residence. The Prime Minister is now travelling to Baku, Azerbaijan to attend the COP29 climate change summit, while other UK ministers and officials will represent the country for the remainder of the two-week event.
