Amid tensions surrounding the Ukraine conflict, European leaders convene in Paris to deliberate on their stance in response to recent US shifts in policy. This gathering, featuring key figures like French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, underscores Europe's determination to influence peace negotiations that the US and Russia plan to pursue in Saudi Arabia.
The urgency for a unified European response arises from concerns over being sidelined by the US's direct talks with Russia. The exclusion of Ukraine from these discussions has been a significant point of contention, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserting the necessity of his country's involvement in any peace process concerning its future. Meanwhile, the US has suggested Ukraine relinquish its NATO membership aspirations and accept territorial concessions to Russia, further heightening tensions.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has advocated for defense spending exceptions under the EU's fiscal rules to enhance military capabilities, reflecting a push for greater European defense autonomy. Additionally, the potential deployment of European peacekeeping troops, as suggested by leaders like Starmer, indicates a readiness to play a more active role in ensuring Ukraine's security post-conflict.
The summit in Paris also serves as a platform for European leaders to strategize on their collective approach to the shifting US policy under Donald Trump's administration. As Europe seeks to assert its voice and prevent any agreement that compromises Ukraine's sovereignty or excludes European participation, the continent's leaders are determined not to let decisions about Ukraine's fate be made without their input.
