In a historic move, Britain and France are rekindling their alliance to bolster European commitment to Ukraine and exert pressure on the US. One hundred and twenty years after the Entente Cordiale, the two nations are joining forces once again to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the wavering support from the US.
British foreign secretary Lord Cameron and French minister for Europe and foreign affairs, Stéphane Séjourné, penned a joint letter to The Telegraph emphasizing their enduring friendship and shared commitment to creating a better world. They believe that their partnership can inspire fresh commitments from other nations and drive the alliance to tackle the challenges ahead.
Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, both Britain and France have been staunch supporters of providing military assistance to Ukraine. The UK has led efforts to train Ukrainian troops to NATO standards and provide sophisticated weapons systems, while France has also contributed significantly to the cause.
The Anglo-French alliance has successfully pressured the EU and Germany to commit to groundbreaking military aid for Ukraine, setting a precedent for other nations to follow suit. However, challenges remain, including delays in US foreign aid approval and disagreements among EU countries over anti-Russian sanctions.
As Britain and France continue to lead the charge in supporting Ukraine, they have the opportunity to rally European allies and transatlantic partners to ensure Ukraine’s security and push back against Russian aggression. The upcoming European Political Community Summit and NATO summit will be crucial moments for the alliance to make their case and secure Europe’s borders.