The EU’s foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, is scheduled to meet UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey to discuss increasing economic pressure on Russia and enhancing support for Ukraine.

This meeting follows ongoing diplomatic efforts by the UK and France to unite a coalition of nations prepared to enforce a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

In anticipation of the discussions, Lammy emphasized the importance of collaboration with European partners to ensure a strong security framework for Britain, asserting that a secure UK is dependent on a united European front to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine.

Moreover, Healey outlined the UK government's commitment to deepening its defence relationships with both EU and NATO allies, highlighting that the UK and EU share a determined resolve to assist Ukraine militarily against what he termed Russia's illegal invasion.

The upcoming meeting is expected to encompass discussions on enhancing cooperation between the EU and the UK regarding their strategies towards Ukraine, as well as examining means to impose further financial constraints on Moscow.

Additionally, cybersecurity measures against potential Russian cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns are anticipated to be key points of dialogue.

Kallas will receive a briefing from the Chief of the Defence Staff, adding a military perspective to the diplomatic discussions.

In a separate development, Lammy also held talks in Washington with US Vice President JD Vance regarding the resumption of military intelligence sharing, formerly paused, and deliberated over a ceasefire initiative in the ongoing conflict.

US President Donald Trump is reportedly making efforts to broker a peace agreement, and is expected to communicate with President Vladimir Putin about a potential 30-day ceasefire proposal, despite reported resistance from the Kremlin.

Trump outlined in a social media post that while significant components of a final agreement might be in place, substantial work remains to be done, noting the casualties on both sides of the conflict.

Further complicating the geopolitical landscape, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently welcomed Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney to Downing Street as part of efforts to foster international collaboration for a peace deal in Ukraine.

More than 30 nations have expressed willingness to participate, either by contributing military personnel or by providing logistical support, according to statements from British officials.

Starmer has indicated that a robust US security guarantee is pivotal for the efficacy of any European-led peacekeeping initiatives.

In a related context, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has revised down its UK growth forecasts amidst broader concerns about global economic conditions, impacted largely by trade tensions originating from Trump's policy decisions, notably tariffs.

The anticipated slowdown in global economic growth is projected to be exacerbated by persistent inflation pressures across major economies.

In regulatory news, the Bank of England is expected to maintain current interest rates as policymakers navigate uncertainties surrounding US tariff policies and forthcoming tax adjustments in the UK. Analysts predict that inflationary pressures, combined with increased costs stemming from US tariffs, will continue to challenge UK economic stability.