STORY
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer held a significant call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on 8 January 2026 to coordinate the alliance’s response to escalating security challenges in the North Atlantic and the High North. The conversation followed a flurry of diplomatic activity, including the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ meeting in Paris, and comes amid heightened tensions regarding regional territorial integrity and the future of Ukrainian security.
The two leaders began the discussion by paying tribute to British military personnel who have been engaged in critical operations in the North Atlantic and Syria over the recent days. These missions have been described as vital for protecting both UK national interests and wider Euro-Atlantic security against evolving threats.
A primary focus of the call was the increasingly contested High North region. Both the Prime Minister and Mr Rutte agreed that while NATO allies have successfully increased their presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic, more robust action is required to deter Russian aggression in these waters. They welcomed ongoing strategic discussions on how the alliance can further protect the region from Russian maritime and hybrid threats, which have intensified throughout the winter months.
Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, the Secretary General provided an update on the morning’s North Atlantic Council meeting. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to securing a just and lasting end to the war, stressing that any potential peace settlement must be underpinned by strong security guarantees. This dialogue follows the Prime Minister’s recent political declaration alongside France and Ukraine concerning the deployment of deterrent forces and the establishment of military hubs to support Kyiv’s long-term defensive capabilities.
The call also touched upon the importance of maintaining a unified alliance posture following reports of American interest in Greenland. Sir Keir, who also spoke with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen today, reiterated the UK’s firm support for Danish sovereignty and the self-determination of the Greenlandic people.