LONDON (BN24) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday called for tougher sanctions against Russia to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine, as they unveiled plans to expand a joint expeditionary military force fivefold.
Speaking at a British military command center in Northwood, northwest London, the two leaders said the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), created over a decade ago, would grow from 10,000 to 50,000 troops. The announcement came as Macron concluded a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom marked by a series of defense and security agreements.
“This force is being increased from a brigade size to an army corps size, up to 50,000 soldiers,” Macron said, standing alongside Starmer. He described the buildup as a message of “determination and solidarity” with Ukraine.
The leaders also co-chaired a videoconference with European and American officials, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal. Zelensky, joining from Kyiv, accused Russia of deliberately blocking all peace initiatives.
“It is obvious to all partners that Russia is obstructing every effort for peace,” Zelensky said, urging further sanctions aimed at isolating Moscow economically.
Starmer echoed those calls. “We should shift our work toward preparing for peace, making it happen by forcing Putin to the table,” he said. “This coordinated pressure will make a difference.”
Macron agreed that “something new” was needed to “modify the pressure on the Russian economy,” and said European allies had to step up efforts to hold the Kremlin accountable.
The leaders also confirmed that plans for a post-ceasefire international peacekeeping mission in Ukraine had been finalized. “We have a plan that is ready to go and initiate in the hours after a ceasefire,” Macron said.
Starmer added that the blueprint for peacekeeping was “mature and we are putting it on a long-term footing.”
The Northwood base, where the joint statement was delivered, also functions as a key NATO maritime operations hub. The location underscored Britain and France’s shared commitment to NATO’s collective defense framework and their support for Kyiv.
The expanded CJEF is expected to include contributions from both countries’ armies, navies, and air forces, making it one of Europe’s largest rapid-reaction forces.
LEMONDE
