In a historic move, Britain and France are coming together to form a new alliance aimed at bolstering European commitment to Ukraine and exerting pressure on the US. The original Entente Cordiale of 1904 laid the foundation for a strong relationship between the two nations, but this time they are joining forces to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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. With war still raging in Ukraine and the US’s financial support delayed in Congress, the need for a united European response is more critical than ever.
Since the invasion of Ukraine in 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 has worked with international partners to provide essential aid. France has also played a key role in pressuring the EU, particularly Germany, to commit to military aid for Ukraine.
The Anglo-French alliance is not only providing cutting-edge military hardware to Ukraine but also pushing for increased support from other European nations and the US. By demonstrating strong leadership and coordination in the war effort, Britain and France are aiming to secure Europe’s borders and ensure Ukraine has the military power to resist Russian aggression.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold, the partnership between Britain and France could prove instrumental in shaping the future of European defense initiatives and transatlantic relations. The upcoming European Political Community Summit and NATO summit will provide key opportunities for the alliance to make its case and rally support for Ukraine.