British Foreign Secretary David Cameron confirmed on Tuesday that France and the United Kingdom are steadfast in their support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, stating it will continue “for as long as it takes.” Cameron emphasized the necessity of defeating Russian President Vladimir Putin.
His remarks come amid growing concerns in Kyiv about waning Western commitment nearly two years after the war in Ukraine began in February 2022.
Following talks with his French counterpart, Catherine Colonna, in Paris, Cameron stated, “The UK and France are among the staunchest supporters of Ukraine, and we will continue to be so for as long as it takes.”
Cameron expressed confidence that continued support would lead to Putin’s defeat, stating, “I have no doubt that Putin will lose, and it is essential that he does.”
Comparing the war in Ukraine to a play, Cameron noted, “The first act was Russia’s significant failure to achieve its objectives” in the initial phase of its military operation in Ukraine. “The second act was the resounding resistance of the Ukrainians who repelled the Russians. The third act, of course, is the hardest,” he said, possibly referring to the challenges of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, “but the fourth act has not yet been written, and we must ensure it is written correctly.”
Colonna added, “Our two countries have been working side by side from the beginning to ensure that Russian aggression is not rewarded.” She hoped for further strengthening of this cooperation, noting, “It’s clear that the fate of Ukraine is at stake, as well as the security of the European continent.”
The statements from the British and French foreign ministers come at a time when war-time aid from Ukraine’s largest military supporter, the United States, is facing challenges.
Cameron remarked that if the economies of Ukraine’s Western partners are combined, “we will outnumber the Russian economy by 25 to one or more.” He added, “What we need to do is make that economic power and this commitment bear fruit. If we can, I have no doubt that we can ensure Putin’s defeat, and it is essential that he loses.”
Neither Cameron nor Colonna announced any new aid for Ukraine in their statements to the press.
