EditLondon and Paris recalibrate nuclear cooperation
At Rome conference, Ukraine secures over €10 billion in pledges, although the details are unclear
In a significant step toward strengthening European security architecture, France and the United Kingdom have announced a strategic deepening of their nuclear cooperation. The move, unveiled during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to London, comes amid increasing concerns over the reliability of US defence guarantees and Russia’s ongoing military aggression.
Both European nuclear powers have pledged to “reset” their defence relations, emphasising coordinated nuclear deterrence, joint missile development, and enhanced military support for Ukraine. The initiative aims to send an unmistakable message to Moscow: London and Paris stand united in their deterrence posture and ready to act in concert in the event of extreme threats to Europe.
France’s nuclear doctrine has long stood apart from NATO structures, with decision-making firmly in the hands of the French President. Its nuclear arsenal consists of approximately 290 warheads, to be launched by submarines and Rafale fighter aircraft. The UK, on the other hand, possesses around 225 warheads, currently relying solely on its fleet of four Trident-equipped submarines for nuclear deterrence. However, London recently confirmed plans to reintroduce an air-based component by purchasing 12 US-made F-35 jets.
Unlike France, the UK’s nuclear weapons are fully integrated into NATO’s deterrence framework, theoretically protecting all 32 Alliance members. The two countries have now agreed to enhance coordination between their nuclear forces, while still maintaining national command over their arsenals.
According to a joint statement by the UK Ministry of Defence and the Élysée Palace, “Any extreme threat to Europe would now invoke a joint response from the two nations”, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said this during the 10 July announcement on enhanced nuclear coordination. A new Nuclear Oversight Group will be created to expand the bilateral consultation mechanism established years ago, marking the first tangible step toward more structured nuclear cooperation.
Rebuilding Ukraine, one euro at a time
Meanwhile, in Rome, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on international partners to ramp up investments in defence systems as Kyiv continues to reel from successive Russian missile and drone attacks. Speaking at the fourth Ukraine Recovery Conference since the start of the war in 2022, Zelenskyy urged nations and businesses to prioritise air defence capabilities and drone interception technologies.
“We must stop the Russian drones and missiles. That means more air defence deliveries, more investments in interception systems and missiles,” Zelenskyy stated, warning that lack of funding now could prove catastrophic later. “When Russia increases its attacks, we cannot afford financial delays,” he added.
The two-day event attracted representatives from around 30 countries and roughly 2,000 companies. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that participants had pledged over €10 billion in commitments, though she withheld specifics. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that Brussels would provide €2.3 billion in funding, including €1.8 billion in loan guarantees and €580 million in grants through EU-backed institutions.
A bombed embassy
The high-level gathering in Rome coincided with Russia’s second consecutive night of mass airstrikes on Kyiv, which left at least two civilians dead and caused extensive damage – including to the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in Ukraine. According to Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, the mission’s roof and garage were damaged by drone debris during the overnight assault. “Fortunately, no one was injured,” he said.
Earlier that day, Zelenskyy had met Pope Leo XIV at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo, underscoring the symbolic weight of the Vatican’s humanitarian role.
In his Rome address, Zelenskyy also called for expanded use of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s recovery. “Not only the interest, but also the principal should be used – and much more actively,” he urged.
To support long-term rebuilding, the European Commission announced the creation of a new equity fund backed by France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the European Investment Bank. The fund starts with €220 million and aims to mobilize €500 million by 2026.
Moral clarity and economic pressure
In a pointed message, Meloni stressed that companies that helped finance Russia’s war machine – by continuing trade relations, should be barred from participating in Ukraine’s recovery. “We must ensure that those complicit in Russia’s aggression do not profit from Ukraine’s rebuilding,” she said.
The Italian leader underscored the dual mission of the international community: defending Ukraine while increasing economic and political pressure on Russia.
“Today’s broad and high-level participation sends a powerful message to the world. We are all here to imagine a rebuilt, free and thriving Ukraine – not just with weapons and diplomacy, but with roads, schools, churches, and hospitals,” she said.
Caption: French President Emmanuel Macron (R) and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) attend a press conference during a joint military visit in Northwood, a suburb of London, Britain, 10 July 2025. President Macron is on a three-day state visit to Britain. EPA/TOM SKIPP / POOL
Updated: July 11, 2025 - 05:23
