Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron discussed putting Ukraine in the ‘strongest possible position heading into winter’ as they met amid uncertainty over the future of the American support for kyiv.

In a show of European solidarity days after Donald Trump’s election victory, the two leaders spoke in Paris to mark Armistice Day and considered how best to continue supporting the war-torn country.

It comes amid suggestions the UK and France could seek to persuade Joe Biden to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles to strike Russia before he leaves the White House.

Sir Keir met Mr Macron on Monday ahead of commemorations in Paris marking the end of the First World War, becoming the first British Prime Minister to attend the events since Winston Churchill in 1944.

“Leaders began by discussing the situation in Ukraine, including how best to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position ahead of winter,” a Downing Street spokesperson said.

“Regarding the Middle East, both stressed their deep concern about the situation in Gaza and Lebanon. They also reiterated the need for stability in the West Bank.

“Reflecting on the situation in the Channel, the Prime Minister outlined his mission to disrupt and deter smuggling gangs across Europe, and leaders strongly agreed on the importance of tackling immigration clandestine at each stage of a migrant’s journey.

“The leaders agreed to stay in close contact.”

Sir Keir also met French Prime Minister Michel Barnier, who later said the Franco-British relationship had already been through “tests” and would be “invaluable in meeting the challenges ahead”.

“Very happy to see you (Sir Keir Starmer) again,” Mr Barnier said in a social media post.

“Franco-British friendship has a long history and has experienced trials. It will be invaluable in meeting the challenges that lie ahead. Thank you, Mr Prime Minister, for standing alongside the French on November 11.”

Defense Secretary John Healey previously downplayed concerns that the new Trump administration could put Ukraine at risk, insisting that he expects the United States to support kyiv “as long as that it will be necessary to prevail” over Russia.

During his campaign, the president-elect insisted that he would find a solution to end the war “within the day”, without explaining how he would achieve it, which some had interpreted to mean peace on favorable conditions in Moscow.

He also expressed skepticism toward NATO, accusing European countries of taking advantage of America.

But speaking to the media on Monday morning, Mr Healey said he believed Washington would remain “firm” in its support and not turn away from the military bloc.

“As for President Trump, he recognizes that countries are kept safe through force, just as alliances like NATO do, and I hope the United States will stand with allies like the Kingdom -United, alongside Ukraine for as long as it takes to prevail over Putin’s deal. invasion,” he told Sky News.

“I don’t expect the United States to walk away from NATO. They recognize the importance of the alliance. They recognize the importance of avoiding new conflicts in Europe.”

Downing Street refused to say whether Sir Keir Starmer thought Ukraine would be safe under a second Trump presidency, but added that he expected Washington to “stand by allies like the UK” .

“We are not going to speculate on positions until the administration is in place. We always welcome sustained bipartisan support in the United States or Ukraine, and this has been key to our international support efforts,” a Number 10 spokeswoman said.

“We hope the United States will stand with its allies like the United Kingdom with Ukraine for as long as it takes to defeat (Vladimir) Putin’s invasion.”

Mr. Trump has previously criticized Washington’s tens of billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion of that country, raising fears that funding could decline under his second presidency.

This weekend, Bryan Lanza, who worked on the Republican politician’s campaign, said his administration would focus on resolving the conflict rather than helping Ukraine regain territories like Crimea – although a spokesperson for the president-elect subsequently distanced him from these remarks.

Downing Street has said any peace talks should be “led by Ukraine”.

Asked whether the UK was planning to supply “as many weapons as possible” ahead of Mr Trump’s presidency, Number 10 said there was “no change” in that regard.

“We will maintain our position of continually intensifying our efforts,” a spokeswoman said.