Starmer-Macron Tensions Threaten Unity of Ukraine Support Coalition

Despite warm diplomatic gestures and a symbolic state visit, tensions between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are putting strain on the so-called “coalition of the willing” — the group of Western nations coordinating military and diplomatic support for Ukraine, The Gaze reports, citing Politico.

Macron’s arrival in the UK this week, the first state visit by a French president since 2008, was hailed as a new chapter in Anglo-French relations. The visit promises increased cooperation on defense, nuclear energy, and cross-Channel migration. 

But behind the scenes, disagreements are emerging, particularly around how to engage with U.S. President Donald Trump in discussions about ending the war against Ukraine.

While London has opted for quiet diplomacy, choosing to have what one British diplomat called “difficult conversations in private,” Macron has taken a more outspoken and visible role. This divergence in approach has begun to frustrate officials on both sides.

Even more concerning, however, is what some in Paris describe as a loss of strategic clarity within the Ukraine-supporting coalition. Two French officials cited the U.K.’s heavy emphasis on U.S. security guarantees — which have yet to materialize — as a source of growing uncertainty about the direction of Ukraine peace efforts.

In an attempt to defuse friction, Downing Street has scheduled a coalition meeting to coincide with Macron’s state visit. Yet some British officials accuse Macron of using international diplomacy, including Ukraine and Iran negotiations, to shape his legacy as he approaches the end of his term.

Lingering bilateral disputes — from fisheries to the handling of illegal Channel crossings — are also contributing to the unease. While the U.K. pressures France for tougher border enforcement, Paris insists the issue is a broader EU responsibility.

Despite these tensions, the optics of Macron’s visit are expected to remain celebratory. Analysts say the leaders still recognize their mutual dependence. “They have different styles but they are like-minded. In that regard, they both need each other,” one academic noted.

As The Gaze previously reported, on July 10, the United Kingdom is set to convene a high-level meeting of the “coalition of the willing” – a group of over 30 nations providing long-term security support to Ukraine.