European leaders convene in Paris to discuss the implications of U.S.-Russia peace talks without European involvement.
As tensions escalate following a recent call between U.S. President
Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, France is set to host an emergency meeting of European leaders to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The meeting, scheduled for Monday in Paris, aims to address concerns that European allies are being sidelined in peace negotiations regarding the conflict that has profound implications for European security.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed the summit to France-Info, emphasizing the necessity for a coordinated European response amidst recent developments.
The situation intensified when U.S. officials, including Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, stated that Europe would not play a direct role in future discussions aimed at ending the war.
This announcement has instilled fears among EU leaders about their potential exclusion from decision-making processes concerning Ukraine's future.
President Trump’s initiative to engage in peace talks drew criticism for the lack of prior consultation with European allies or the Ukrainian government.
This discontent was evident at the recent Munich Security Conference, where leaders expressed concerns over the implications of U.S. actions on multilateral efforts to resolve the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized that Ukraine must be included in any negotiations regarding its sovereignty, condemning any potential agreements made without Ukrainian input.
French Minister for Europe Benjamin Haddad cautioned against what he described as a possible 'capitulation' in any peace negotiations with Russia, asserting that a rushed settlement might lead to renewed hostilities in the region.
He reiterated the need for Europe to bolster its support for Ukraine, which he believes is crucial to ensuring a strong negotiating position.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda characterized Ukraine as a primary target of Russian aggression, advocating for heightened military spending and a cohesive European response to the threat posed by Moscow.
The emergency meeting in Paris follows significant discussions at the Munich Security Conference, attended by leaders from various nations, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The summit reflects an effort among NATO allies to maintain unity and articulate a collective stance in response to the evolving situation in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of European voices in the ongoing peace process.