UK and France leaders hold closed talks on situation in Ukraine
Photo: X/Keir_Starmer
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met face-to-face and discussed the situation in Ukraine.
The Telegraph reported that.
According to the publication, Starmer and Macron spoke for 20 minutes without a large group of aides present.
"The leaders began by discussing the situation in Ukraine, including how best to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to enter the winter," the representative of the British government emphasized.
The newspaper notes that Starmer became the first British prime minister in 80 years to participate in Armistice Day celebrations in Paris, including a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe.
The politicians also touched upon the potential for altering the US stance on Storm Shadow. These missiles, manufactured by Britain and France, could potentially be utilized by American systems during deployment.
It is worth mentioning that Ukraine has permission to use them to launch strikes directly near the Russian border but not far beyond it.
"I have always said that we will support Ukraine as long as necessary, and we remain true to that. I have also repeatedly said that we must put Ukraine in the best position," Starmer stressed after meeting with Macron, answering questions about Storm Shadow.
"That has been my constant refrain in the four months since I became prime minister in all my discussions. It's at the heart of the discussions we're having," Starmer stressed.
At the same time, he refused to give details of any discussions on operational military issues.
It should be noted that on Monday, November 11, Macron and Starmer both affirmed their commitment to aid Ukraine until it achieves victory in its war with Russia.
"Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination, emphasizing their determination to support Ukraine steadfastly and for as long as it will be necessary to win Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine," the Elysée Palace said in a communiqué following their conversation in Paris.
During the meeting, the leaders of France and Great Britain discussed the most critical international issues and the strengthening of European security.
"Following the messages delivered at the summit of the European Political Community in Hungary, the French President emphasized the need to defend Europe's own interests and responsibility in the field of security and defense," the statement said.
Starmer held talks with Macron before the ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe on the occasion of the 106th anniversary of the Armistice of Compiègne in 1918 [the end of the First World War – ed.].
For reference:
It is worth stressing that Great Britain has probably already decided to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles against targets on the territory of Russia. This has not been officially confirmed yet.
Earlier, the President of Ukraine, Zelensky, stated that Ukraine needs permission to use long-range weapons against military facilities on the territory of Russia from four countries – the United States, Great Britain, France, and Germany.
