The United Kingdom has rejected French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal for a one-month ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, signaling a widening rift among European powers on how to approach the conflict.
During a high-level summit in London, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that any peace deal must be grounded in strength and should not give Russia an opportunity to manipulate or breach the agreement. While acknowledging the urgency of ending the war, Starmer argued that a temporary ceasefire without robust security guarantees would only allow Russia to regroup and continue its aggression against Ukraine.
“We cannot accept a weak deal which Russia can breach with ease,” Starmer declared. He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to a “coalition of the willing,” a group of allied nations dedicated to sustaining military and economic support for Ukraine. This coalition plans to enhance Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and maintain economic pressure on Moscow to prevent future invasions.
Macron’s proposal, outlined in an interview with Le Figaro, called for a one-month truce covering air, sea, and energy infrastructure. However, UK officials expressed deep skepticism, arguing that such a ceasefire could offer Russia a strategic pause to strengthen its forces rather than pave the way for lasting peace.
Starmer, speaking after the summit, made it clear that the UK would not waver in its support for Ukraine. “Europe must do the heavy lifting. We will not step back,” he stated, emphasizing that the UK remains committed to supporting Ukraine with “boots on the ground and planes in the air” if necessary.
The summit, attended by 18 leaders including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, aimed to showcase European unity in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression. While France advocates for immediate de-escalation, the UK’s hardline stance focuses on increasing military deterrence and ensuring long-term regional stability.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte supported Starmer’s position, saying that European nations are “stepping up” to ensure Ukraine has the resources to defend itself as long as necessary. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also called for a rapid effort to “re-arm Europe” and strengthen collective defense against the Russian threat.
The disagreement comes amid rising concerns over US policy shifts. The United States recently initiated separate peace talks with Russia, excluding Ukraine—a move that has sparked anxiety among European allies. Tensions also flared between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump during a heated Oval Office meeting, where Trump accused Ukraine of escalating the war despite Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Despite rejecting Macron’s truce plan, both the UK and France agreed on the fundamental principle that Ukraine’s sovereignty and security must form the basis of any enduring peace agreement. Starmer underscored that any resolution must be enforced through collective military readiness, ensuring that Russia cannot exploit future negotiations to expand its territorial ambitions.
As the war in Ukraine continues, the diplomatic divide highlights the challenge of balancing immediate humanitarian concerns with the need for long-term security and stability in Eastern Europe.
