OMM Newsroom
UK Defense Minister Wes Streeting has called for stronger cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom, saying the transatlantic partnership is vital to addressing modern security challenges and maintaining stability in Europe.
Speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, Streeting said the current security environment requires allies to renew their coordination. Relations between London and Washington have rarely been as important as they are now, he said.
Streeting said principles underpinning the security order established after World War II remain relevant, particularly the close link between the security of North America and Europe. He described NATO as the cornerstone of that relationship and said the UK would pursue its defense objectives primarily through the alliance.
Ukraine and Starlink discussed
Streeting’s remarks came as tensions between Washington and Kyiv rose again following disagreements over military support and battlefield technologies.
The UK minister confirmed that he discussed Ukraine with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon. The restoration of Starlink service also came up after concerns that restrictions could affect Ukrainian military operations.
Streeting declined to comment on the reasons for the interruption in the service. However, he said both sides welcomed its restoration and agreed on the importance of continuing support for Ukraine.
He said diplomacy and military assistance were equally important in efforts to end the war. According to Streeting, diplomatic channels must remain open while Ukraine is equipped with what it needs to withstand continued Russian pressure.
“At times like these, it is our role and responsibility to bring our friends back together,” Streeting said, referring to recent tensions between the United States and Ukraine. He added that the UK was working to preserve unity among countries supporting Ukraine and to keep Washington involved in the process.
NATO’s readiness for future threats
Streeting’s visit came at a sensitive time, after U.S. President Donald Trump drew criticism in Kyiv with comments about easing restrictions on Russian diesel exports and questioning Ukraine’s leadership. The UK minister said disagreements among allies should not overshadow the goal of supporting Ukraine and putting pressure on Russia.
Turning to issues beyond Ukraine, Streeting said NATO members must adapt to a rapidly changing security environment. Modern military strength depends not only on troop numbers and conventional weapons, but also on artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, autonomous systems and drone technology, he said.
In Streeting’s view, the course of future conflicts will be shaped by countries’ ability to adopt innovations quickly, manufacture equipment at scale and deploy effective technology at an affordable cost. “The cost of preserving peace today may be far lower than the price of restoring it tomorrow,” he said.
The UK defense minister also highlighted his country’s intention to play a leading role in European security through NATO structures. He said London was increasing its contribution to collective defense and that the alliance remained the most effective framework for safeguarding transatlantic security.
As the war in Ukraine continues and geopolitical tensions rise in other regions, Streeting’s message in Washington underscored the importance of cooperation between the United States and Europe in addressing current and future threats.
