The UK and EU are facing calls for greater economic collaboration to better fund European efforts to support Ukraine three years on from invasion.
Under new proposals, British and EU troops could be stationed in Ukrainian cities, ports and nuclear power plants to ensure stability following any ceasefire agreement with Russia, according to Western officials.
While details remain unclear, the proposed European-led reassurance mission could involve up to 30,000 personnel as reports suggest and would focus on protecting Ukraine’s skies, coastlines, and critical infrastructure. The deployment would not extend to frontline combat zones but aims to foster stability, support the return of displaced Ukrainians, and deter future Russian aggression.
European cooperation on Ukraine is set to take centre stage as French President Emmanuel Macron today becomes the first European leader to visit Washington under Donald Trump’s presidency , with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer following on Thursday. Macron has signalled his intention to convince Trump that sidelining Europe in negotiations with Russia would be a strategic mistake. Meanwhile, Starmer is expected to reinforce the UK’s commitment to European security cooperation and discuss broader efforts to support Ukraine. With tensions high and Trump yet to signal his support for the initiative, the UK’s role in leading a European security effort has drawn attention around the resources required to sustain such a mission and support Ukraine.
Recent research from Frontier Economics, commissioned by Best for Britain, shows that common sense deal with the EU could boost UK GDP by up to 2.2%. This growth is crucial not just for businesses and households but also for strengthening the UK’s ability to fund public spending, including its defence commitments and support for Ukraine at a time when European security is under serious threat.
Tom Brufatto, Director of Policy at Best for Britain, said
“Today marks three years since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and as Europe considers boots on the ground , it is vital to recognise that European cooperation cannot stop at defence. Strong economies can spend more on defence, and a closer UK - EU trade ties would not only boost growth but bolster our collective security.”
“Our recent report shows that deeper UK-EU regulatory alignment could boost UK GDP by up to 2.2%. That’s growth that could be reinvested into defence, providing long-term financial backing for our security commitments. Ultimately, improved European security starts with a better economic relationship with Europe.”