French President Emmanuel Macron is convening European leaders in Paris on Monday, February 17, to discuss European security, according to Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
The meeting follows growing concerns regarding the United States' handling of the Ukraine war, especially after President Donald Trump's direct communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump's recent phone call with Putin has reportedly surprised Ukraine and its European allies, raising concerns about potential US-led settlements without European involvement.
Expected attendees include leaders from Britain, Germany, Poland, Italy, and Denmark, along with NATO Secretary-General Marc Rutte and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also expected to be present.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski welcomed Macron's initiative at the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing the need for European leaders to address challenges posed by Trump's approach.
Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, suggested European leaders should focus on increasing defense spending instead of participating in peace talks, hinting at a rapid timeline for an agreement, working on "Trump time" with a deal expected "in weeks and months."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Europe to take a stronger role in its defense and insisted on Ukraine's inclusion in any negotiation, stating, "No decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine. No decisions about Europe without Europe."
Separately, Vice President JD Vance's speech at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, addressing domestic issues such as "free speech" and immigration, has provoked outrage among allies. Vance's remarks are viewed as potential interference in the upcoming German national elections, signaling support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which mainstream German parties have isolated due to its antisemitic and Nazi apologist elements.