European Leaders to Convene for Emergency Summit on Ukraine
European leaders are set to hold an emergency summit in Paris next week to address concerns over US-Russia peace talks that could sideline Europe.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that this is a “once-in-a-generation moment for national security,” reinforcing the need for Europe to strengthen its role in NATO.
The urgency follows statements from Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, suggesting that while Europe will be consulted, it will not participate in direct negotiations between the US and Russia.
US-Russia Peace Talks and European Exclusion
Senior White House officials, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are scheduled to meet Russian representatives in Saudi Arabia. While US officials claim Ukraine is invited, President Volodymyr Zelensky has denied receiving an invitation.
Special envoy Keith Kellogg suggested that past negotiations failed due to excessive involvement from multiple parties. His remarks have raised concerns among European allies and Ukrainian leaders.
European Concerns Over Ukraine’s Future
Europe remains wary of past failed agreements like the Minsk Accords of 2015, which sought to end conflict in eastern Ukraine but ultimately collapsed.
Starmer aims to bridge the gap between the US and European leaders to ensure a unified strategy on Ukraine. He will meet with Trump at the White House to discuss the matter before a follow-up European summit with Zelensky.
“This is a critical moment for European security,” Starmer stated. “Europe must play a greater role in NATO and work alongside the US to secure Ukraine’s future.”
Call for Stronger European Defense
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski confirmed that French President Emmanuel Macron initiated the European summit, though Macron has yet to formally announce it.
Ukraine’s President Zelensky has called for the formation of a European defense force, emphasizing that Europe must prepare for a future where US support may wane.
During the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky asserted, “Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs.” His statement followed Trump’s recent announcement that he had engaged in direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to seek an immediate resolution to the war.
Rising Tensions Over Trump’s Strategy
Trump’s approach has reignited concerns over his 2018 Helsinki meeting with Putin, where he defended Russia against US intelligence claims of election interference.
US Representative Michael McCaul confirmed that senior Trump administration officials will lead peace negotiations with Russia and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance criticized European nations, stating their biggest threats come “from within” rather than from Russia or China. His remarks reinforced the Trump administration’s demand that Europe take more responsibility for its own defense.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy responded, urging European nations to increase defense spending, warning that “Putin will not simply go away.”
Europe’s Next Steps in Ukraine Strategy
With divisions growing, European leaders now face a crucial test in securing Ukraine’s future while maintaining strong transatlantic relations.
For further insights, read the full report on BBC.
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