7th Mar 2025 16:56
(Alliance News) - UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has hailed the EU's "historic step forward" as he spoke to leaders after the bloc backed moves to free up hundreds of billions of euros for security.
In a phone call with the president of the European Council, the president of the European Commission and the leaders of Canada, Turkey, Norway and Iceland on Friday, the prime minister also welcomed the prospect of talks next week in Saudi Arabia after they were confirmed by Volodymyr Zelensky.
Issuing a readout of the call, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: "The prime minister applauded the progress the EU had made at the European Council yesterday, saying it was a historic step forward and another sign of Europe stepping up.
"Closer collaboration between the EU, its partners and our combined defence industrial base was vital as Europe stepped up to counter egregious Russian aggression," the prime minister added.
"Updating on the intensive diplomacy between the US, UK, France and Ukraine, the prime minister welcomed the potential for peace talks in Saudi Arabia next week.
"The leaders also discussed the "coalition of the willing" and looked ahead to the chiefs of defence meeting in Paris on Tuesday. It would be another important moment to drive forward planning, they agreed.
"The leaders agreed to stay in close touch."
On Thursday European leaders had backed new defence spending plans aimed at freeing up billions of euros as the bloc grapples with the prospect of Donald Trump reducing security assistance for Europe.
The 27 EU leaders signed off a move to loosen budget restrictions so that willing EU countries can increase their military spending, which could free up around 650 billion euros (GBP545 billion).
It comes as Trump said he was "strongly considering" sanctions on Russia until a final peace deal is reached.
The US president threatened on Friday to place tariffs on Vladimir Putin's country, in response to Russia "absolutely pounding" Ukraine.
In a post on TruthSocial, his own social media network, Trump said: "Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!"
source: PA
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