Europe must be ready to protect itself from Russia, defence secretaries will say on Wednesday.

John Healey will meet his counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and Poland at the Val-de-Grace chapel in Paris to discuss how to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine and strengthen deterrence through Nato.

In recent weeks Donald Trump has called on Europe to shoulder more of the burden of supporting Ukraine, which prompted Sir Keir Starmer to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent by 2027.

Both France and the UK have pledged to send troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s meeting between the five biggest spenders in Nato, the so-called E5 group, the Defence Secretary said: “We are at a decisive moment for the future of Ukraine and for the security of Europe. As E5 nations, we recognise we must take on more responsibility for European security.

“The UK remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine, and we will continue to lead alongside our European partners as we push for a just and lasting peace.

“European nations are stepping up. By deepening our defence cooperation, boosting spending, and enhancing our collective strength, we send a clear message: we will not waver in standing with Ukraine and defending our shared values.”