UK and French armed forces heads work to forge peace in Ukraine and security for Europe

The heads of the British and French armed forces, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and General Thierry Burkhard, have been discussing efforts to galvanise Europe's response to the situation in Ukraine.

Despite few signs of progress towards a ceasefire agreement, planning for peacekeeping operations in Ukraine is set to continue.

Military leaders from the so-called Coalition of the Willing are expected to hold further meetings at the UK's permanent joint headquarters in Northwood throughout the week in preparation for a possible European-led peacekeeping force.

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Adm Sir Tony said: "Europe's two leading nuclear powers are stepping up to forge a stronger and deeper partnership that has a vital foundational role to play in the security of the continent.

"Today's deliberations will help shape the future of British and French military cooperation, and our shared efforts to support Ukraine with military aid now and after any peace deal."

The delegation later attended an event where they met the King.

Adm Sir Tony posted on X: "Presenting the British and French Chiefs to His Majesty. A day of reassurance and commitment. 

"Europe's two leading militaries are forging a stronger and deeper partnership with a vital foundational role in the security of the continent.

"God Save the King and Vive la France!"

But progress towards a peace deal appears slow, with talks in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia having yielded no major announcements on Monday.

US officials have held separate talks with their Ukrainian and Russian counterparts in an effort to secure an agreement on a partial ceasefire after Moscow rejected a US-Ukraine proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said he expected his officials to meet the US negotiators again, but did not specify when, and no deal has been announced.