UK, France agree to train Ukrainian marines

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The UK and France have agreed to train Ukrainian marines, helping to give Ukraine "a decisive advantage on the battlefield," British Premier Rishi Sunak said on Friday.

At the first summit between France and the UK since 2018, Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron both confirmed that Friday's meeting marks "a new beginning."

Speaking at a joint news conference, the two leaders stressed the importance of joint actions to overcome challenges like energy and security, reaffirming unwavering support for Ukraine.

"We've agreed to train Ukrainian marines, helping to give Ukraine a decisive advantage on the battlefield and for Ukraine to win this war," Sunak said.

UK and France share a "special bond and a special responsibility" when the security of Europe is threatened, he noted, adding that the two countries will always be at the forefront of Europe's defense.

On the small boat crossing issue, Sunak said the UK will contribute £480 million (nearly $580 million) over a three-year period in partnership with France to help tackle illegal migrant crossings over the English Channel.

Also, France will establish a trained permanent mobile policing unit to tackle small boats.

Additional drones and surveillance technologies, a new coordination center with permanent UK liaison officers, and increased cooperation between the National Crime Agency and its French counterpart are also among the new measures in this regard.

"Emanuel and I share the same belief, criminal gangs should not get to decide who comes to our countries," added Sunak.