Leaders in Europe are preparing to meet next week in Paris to address the ongoing war in Ukraine. The summit comes amid growing concerns that President Trump is moving forward with peace talks involving Russia but not include them in the discussions.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is expected to attend, emphasized the importance of this moment for Europe’s security. He stressed that Europe needs to take a stronger leadership role within NATO.
This development follows comments from Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, who indicated that while European leaders would be informed, they would not have a seat at the table during direct talks between the US and Russia.
In the coming days, senior US officials are set to meet with Russian and Ukrainian negotiators in Saudi Arabia, according to American sources.
Special envoy Keith Kellogg suggested that past peace negotiations failed due to having too many parties involved. Speaking on Saturday, he acknowledged that his remarks might not be well received but stood by his position.
Prime Minister Starmer views his role as crucial in uniting the US and Europe to ensure a coordinated approach to achieving peace in Ukraine. He plans to share the perspectives of European leaders with US President Donald Trump during a visit to the White House later this month.
Europe must step up within NATO
Another meeting involving European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is anticipated following Starmer’s return from Washington. Starmer reiterated the importance of maintaining unity between the US and Europe, stating that divisions could weaken their ability to address common threats.
“This is a pivotal moment for national security,” Starmer told the BBC. “Europe must step up within NATO and work closely with the US to secure Ukraine’s future while addressing the challenges posed by Russia.”
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski revealed that French President Emmanuel Macron had called for next week’s summit, although Macron has yet to officially announce it.
Sikorski commented on Trump’s negotiation style, saying, “He probes to see reactions and then adjusts his position accordingly. It’s a legitimate approach, and we need to respond effectively.”
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced concerns about being excluded from any US-Russia agreements. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he warned against backroom deals that bypass Ukraine.
Zelensky called for Europe to strengthen its own defence capabilities, highlighting a growing sense that the continent can no longer rely solely on US support.
Trump, Putin Peace Talks
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a follow-up call with Russia’s foreign minister, continuing discussions initiated by Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the week. This marked the first direct communication between Washington and Moscow in nearly three years.
Saudi Arabia is set to host peace talks soon, with hopes of facilitating a meeting between Trump, Putin, and Zelensky. US officials have indicated this could be a significant step toward ending the conflict.
At the Munich event, US Vice-President JD Vance delivered a harsh critique of European countries, urging them to invest more in their own security. Vance doubled down on the administration’s stance that Europe must take greater responsibility for its defence.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed similar sentiments, stating that even in the event of a peace deal, Europe faces ongoing security challenges. Lammy praised NATO’s progress, with 23 member nations now meeting the 2% GDP defence spending target, but stressed that more investment is needed.
“Putin isn’t going anywhere,” Lammy said. “We need to do more to ensure our defences are strong enough to meet future threats.”
