Starmer attends Paris Armistice Day, first British PM since Churchill to do so

Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron met to discuss strengthening Ukraine’s position ahead of winter, amid growing uncertainty over long-term US support following the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House.

The Prime Minister and Macron held talks on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Friday morning, before participating in Armistice Day commemorations at the Arc de Triomphe.

Their discussions came amid speculation regarding how Trump’s potential presidency could impact US support for Ukraine. The meeting is their first since Barnier became prime minister in September. The last British leader to attend the French Armistice Day commemorations was Winston Churchill, who was hosted by Charles de Gaulle in 1944, Starmer’s office said.

Ukraine’s allies must not prejudge how Donald Trump will handle the war there, France’s foreign minister said on Monday, as French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed their support for Kyiv during talks in Paris.

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Trump has repeatedly criticised the scale of Western aid to Kyiv and has promised to end the conflict swiftly, without explaining how. His victory in last week’s presidential election has spurred concerns in Kyiv and other European capitals about the degree of future U.S. commitment to helping Ukraine.

Europe has been the biggest provider of aid to Ukraine, allocating 118 billion euros ($126 billion) since the start of the conflict, while the United States has provided 85 billion euros in total, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.

Britain and the European Union are expected to begin talks next year on a post-Brexit security pact, covering areas such as defence and energy cooperation, as they look to take more responsibility for their own security.

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Some European politicians have said Europe cannot replace the financial and military aid from the United States, including military resources such as F-16 fighter jets and Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).

With inputs from agencies.