Following President Trump's announcement last week of a peace plan and negotiations with Russia regarding Ukraine, European leaders convened an emergency summit in Paris. Representatives from Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark, along with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and EU officials, discussed a unified approach to a potential ceasefire.
French President Emmanuel Macron urged colleagues to view Trump's actions as an opportunity rather than a threat, cautioning against a transatlantic war of words. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that European security is at a "turning point." Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that failure to invest in defense now could lead to significantly higher costs later to prevent a larger war.
Discussions revealed divisions among allies. While Great Britain and France are pushing for a peacekeeping force to secure a potential ceasefire, Germany expressed reservations, deeming such discussions "premature." Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated the UK's readiness to station peacekeepers, while Sweden also showed openness. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of ensuring any peace agreement doesn't bypass Ukrainian interests.
France has been advocating for a European peacekeeping force since December. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot mentioned ongoing discussions about deploying troops, particularly from France, Great Britain, and Poland. Germany, despite having one of NATO's largest armies, was not mentioned. Poland also clarified that it is not planning to send soldiers.
EU officials emphasized their significant financial contribution to Ukraine, exceeding €130 billion in military, financial, and humanitarian aid over the past three years, warranting their involvement in discussions about Ukraine's future and European security.
The potential size of a European peacekeeping force remains unclear, with figures ranging from initial speculations of 40,000 to President Zelenskyy's suggestion of 200,000, deemed unrealistic. Zelenskyy views the deployment of peacekeepers as a precursor to a future European army.
Meanwhile, the US and Russia are accelerating efforts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov are scheduled to meet in Riyadh on Tuesday. Lavrov questioned the need for EU participation in these talks, citing past unproductive involvement.
Russia alleges Western interference in the 2014 ousting of Ukraine's pro-Moscow president and claims the Minsk agreement was a guise to strengthen Ukraine militarily.