Britain has dismissed claims of an agreement with France on a partial truce in Ukraine, despite French President Emmanuel Macron’s assertion that both nations had proposed a ceasefire plan.
In an interview with Le Figaro on Sunday, Macron stated that London and Paris were advocating for a one-month truce covering air, sea, and energy infrastructure in Ukraine. However, he clarified that the proposal would not initially extend to ground combat.
UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard, speaking to Times Radio on Monday, refuted Macron’s claims, stating that no formal agreement had been reached.
“No agreement has been made on what a truce looks like,” Pollard said.
“But we are working together with France and our European allies to look at what is the path to how… we create a lasting and durable peace in Ukraine,” he added.
A UK government official, speaking anonymously, also downplayed the existence of any such deal.
“There are various options on the table, subject to further discussions with the US and European partners but a one-month truce has not been agreed,” the official said.
Macron’s remarks followed a high-level crisis meeting on Ukraine convened by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on Sunday. The talks included European leaders, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and Canadian representatives.
A spokesperson for 10 Downing Street emphasised that discussions on Ukraine’s future were ongoing.
“As the PM said in his press conference, we need and want to progress with momentum and are pleased today’s summit has enabled discussions to move forward. Those discussions will continue at pace,” the spokesperson stated.
