European Leaders Gather in Paris for Crisis Summit on Ukraine
Topic: US Policy Shift and Europe’s Response
Participants:
- Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (Germany)
- Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark
- Ursula von der Leyen (European Commission President)
- António Costa (Council President)
- Mark Rutte (NATO Secretary General)
- Hosted by Emmanuel Macron (French President)
Background:
The meeting comes amidst a significant shift in US foreign policy towards Ukraine. The Biden administration is pressing for negotiations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing war. Additionally, the US is seeking European commitments for security guarantees to Ukraine.
Key Issues:
- US Withdrawal from Central Role: The European leaders will discuss how to navigate the US decision to relegate them to a secondary role in the negotiation process.
- Concessions for Ukraine: The US has proposed that Ukraine abandon its aspirations for NATO membership and accept the possibility of surrendering some of its territory to Russia.
- Security Guarantees: The European countries will consider their potential contributions to a peacekeeping force or training programs for Ukraine.
- Weapons Systems: The issue of what weapons systems Europe can provide to Ukraine will also be discussed.
- US Expectations: The European leaders will assess what the US expects from them in terms of support for the proposed negotiations.
Macron’s Initiative:
French President Emmanuel Macron has taken a leading role in organizing the summit and proposing potential solutions. He has previously suggested stationing ground troops in Ukraine and initiating a military contingent to support a possible ceasefire.
Objectives:
The primary goal of the summit is for the European leaders to establish a unified strategy for engaging with the US and addressing the Ukraine conflict. They aim to determine what concessions they can offer to Trump and establish clear boundaries.
No Public Announcements Expected:
The EU Commission has indicated that specific announcements regarding troop commitments or other measures will likely not be made at the summit. Instead, subsequent discussions will continue in broader formats to involve all parties interested in European peace and security.
US Pressure and NATO Support:
The US has pressured the European allies to reach a consensus before planned summit meetings with Russia in Saudi Arabia. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has welcomed the initiative, highlighting its importance for maintaining European influence in the negotiations.
Trump’s Optimism:
US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that Putin is eager to end the conflict. He has also emphasized that Ukraine will be involved in the peace talks.
Limited Attendance:
The summit will be attended by a relatively small number of European leaders, potentially due to logistical reasons or concerns about the presence of Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a known supporter of Trump.
