Macron and Starmer Discuss Long-Term Security Guarantees for Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met at Chequers, the 16th-century country residence of British Prime Ministers located 60 kilometers from London, where Ukraine was the focal point of their discussions according to a communiqué from the Élysée Palace on January 9.

“This new bilateral meeting focused on international goals, Ukraine, the Middle East, strengthening relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union, and deepening the ties between France and Britain,” stated the Élysée Palace.

The discussions also laid the groundwork for the upcoming Franco-British summit, planned for this summer.

The communiqué emphasized that the situation in Ukraine was “at the heart of the conversation.”

“Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to closely coordinate efforts to support Ukraine for as long as necessary. They stressed the importance of continuing arms deliveries required to defend Ukrainian territory and ensuring sustained financial support for Ukraine beyond 2025,” the statement read.

Macron and Starmer also highlighted the need to provide Ukraine with long-term security guarantees to protect it in case of any future aggression.

Earlier, reports emerged that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that deploying an international contingent in Ukraine would be one of the most effective tools to pressure Russia into peace.

This report comes amid Zelenskyy’s confirmation that discussions in Brussels included the idea of deploying a peacekeeping mission to Ukraine, he said that consultations on the proposal are ongoing with support from French President Emmanuel Macron.

“We discussed Emmanuel’s longstanding idea. We support the concept [of a peacekeeping mission, which means] strengthening Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said at the time.