UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy will host top diplomats from several European countries on Monday to coordinate support for Ukraine and discuss enhanced regional defence cooperation
ahead of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s upcoming summit with European Union leaders.
According to the UK foreign ministry, Lammy will meet with representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the EU. He emphasized the urgency of the talks, calling this a "once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our continent."
Lammy is expected to announce new sanctions against individuals and entities backing Russia’s war in Ukraine.
On Saturday, leaders from the UK, France, Germany, and Poland visited Kyiv to express support for Ukraine’s call for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Their appeal, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, came with a warning of severe new sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin if he fails to comply. Putin responded by proposing direct negotiations with Ukraine.
Monday’s talks will also serve as a platform for Lammy to reinforce the UK’s push for stronger European defence ties.
At the May 19 summit, Prime Minister Starmer aims to secure a new defence pact with the EU and improve trade relations disrupted by Brexit and recent geopolitical shifts. Photo by Policy Exchange, Wikimedia commons.