Please find below a readout of the Prime Minister's call with the
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President
Emmanuel Macron this morning (Friday 9 January).
A Downing Street spokeswoman said:
"The Prime Minister spoke to the German Chancellor Friedrich
Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron this morning,
following the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing
in Paris.
"The leaders began by reflecting on the strong unity in support
of Ukraine at Tuesday's meeting, and the good progress made on
next steps. They welcomed the ongoing close coordination with the
US to secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
"Russia's ongoing attacks in Ukraine, including of the use of an
Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile in Western Ukraine
this morning, were escalatory and unacceptable, the leaders
agreed.
"It was clear Russia was using fabricated allegations to justify
the attack, the Prime Minister added.
"The leaders then turned to security in the High North. The Prime
Minister said the NATO Alliance needed to step up in the region
to deter adversaries such as Russia.
"Turning to the situation in Iran, the leaders agreed on the need
for close coordination as events evolved and the Prime Minister
reiterated his support for those who exercised their right to
peaceful protest.
"The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon."
