In a last-ditch effort to escalate military action in Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are reportedly lobbying the Biden administration to authorize deeper missile strikes into Russian territory. According to The Telegraph, high-level talks on the matter are set to take place in Paris, with the aim of securing approval for joint operations targeting areas within Russia’s internationally recognized borders.

Both France and Britain have supplied Ukraine with advanced weaponry, including Scalp and Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles. France is also preparing to deliver Mirage 2000 fighter jets capable of deploying these missiles. Such complex operations require significant support from British and French forces stationed in Ukraine and rely heavily on Western satellite systems, particularly the American GPS network, for precision targeting. The collaborative nature of these attacks makes them a joint effort between Ukraine and Western nations, raising the stakes for potential escalation.

Several European countries, including Denmark and the Netherlands, have expressed strong support for deeper strikes. These nations were among the first to pledge F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, openly backing their use in such expanded military campaigns.

The push for escalation comes amid uncertainty about future U.S. policy under President-elect Donald Trump, who has consistently voiced opposition to prolonging or escalating the war in Ukraine. European leaders see the Biden administration’s remaining time in office as a narrow window to secure support for more aggressive actions.

While the Biden administration has maintained a more cautious approach than its European counterparts, it has yielded to pressure in key instances, including the provision of Abrams tanks and approval for European allies to supply F-16s. However, these decisions often came only after extensive lobbying by nations like the United Kingdom, Spain, and Poland.

Macron and Starmer’s efforts reflect growing frustration in Europe over perceived U.S. reluctance to lead a more aggressive campaign against Russia. As the clock ticks down on Biden’s presidency, European leaders face the prospect of a less cooperative U.S. under Trump, complicating their vision of escalating the conflict in Ukraine.

For Europe, the stakes are high. Deep missile strikes into Russia could shift the dynamics of the conflict but also risk provoking a dangerous escalation. Whether Macron and Starmer can persuade the U.S. to act before the Trump administration takes over remains to be seen.