British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has called for closer cooperation between the United Kingdom and the United States, arguing that the transatlantic partnership remains essential to addressing modern security challenges and maintaining stability across Europe.
Speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, Streeting said the current security environment demanded renewed coordination between allies, stressing that the relationship between London and Washington had rarely been more important.
According to Streeting, the principles that shaped the post-World War II security order remain relevant today, particularly the idea that North American and European security are closely interconnected. He pointed to NATO as the cornerstone of that relationship and said Britain would continue to pursue its defence objectives primarily through the alliance.
The defence secretary's remarks came against the backdrop of renewed tensions between Washington and Kyiv following disputes over military support and battlefield technology.
Streeting confirmed that he discussed Ukraine with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth during meetings at the Pentagon, including the recent restoration of Starlink services after concerns that restrictions had disrupted Ukrainian military operations.
While declining to speculate on the reasons for the interruption, Streeting said both sides welcomed the restoration of the service and agreed on the importance of continuing support for Ukraine.
He described diplomacy and military assistance as equally important components of efforts to end the war, arguing that Ukraine must be equipped to withstand continued Russian pressure while diplomatic channels remain open.
“The UK sees our role and responsibility at times like this to bring our friends back together again,” Streeting said, referring to recent strains in U.S.-Ukraine relations.
He added that Britain's objective was to help maintain unity among Ukraine's supporters and ensure continued engagement from Washington.
Streeting's visit comes at a particularly sensitive moment after U.S. President Donald Trump drew criticism from Kyiv with decisions including the easing of restrictions on Russian diesel exports and comments questioning Ukrainian leadership.
The British minister suggested that disagreements among allies should not distract from the broader objective of supporting Ukraine and maintaining pressure on Russia.
His message echoed Britain's recent efforts to position itself as a bridge between Kyiv and Washington as questions emerge over the future direction of U.S. policy.
Beyond Ukraine, Streeting said NATO members must adapt to a rapidly changing security environment shaped by technological innovation.
He argued that modern military power increasingly depends not only on troop numbers and conventional weaponry but also on artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, autonomous systems and drone technology.
According to Streeting, future conflicts will be determined by the ability of countries to innovate quickly, manufacture equipment at scale and deploy affordable yet effective technologies.
“The cost of defending peace today can be far smaller than the price of restoring it tomorrow,” he said.
The UK defence secretary also highlighted Britain's intention to play a leading role in European security while working through NATO structures.
He said London was already increasing its contribution to collective defence and believed the alliance remained the most effective framework for safeguarding transatlantic security.
His comments reflect growing discussions among NATO members about defence spending, military readiness and the need to prepare for a more contested global security environment.
With war continuing in Ukraine and geopolitical tensions rising elsewhere, Streeting's message in Washington underscored Britain's view that cooperation between the United States and Europe remains critical to addressing both current and emerging threats.
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