By Jean Claude Gilles
Senior Reporter, The Haitian Tribune | Article Published on February 17, 2025 | Photo Credit: AP
The summit aims to unify Europeans' stance on the Ukraine conflict as the U.S. initiates direct talks with Russia.
In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s unexpected initiation of direct peace negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, eleven European leaders are convening in Paris to solidify a unified stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Trump’s recent call for immediate talks between Moscow and Kyiv, without prior consultation with European allies or Ukraine, has raised concerns about potential diplomatic isolation and the future of European security.
The Paris Summit, organized by French President Emmanuel Macron, addresses these apprehensions and reinforces Europe’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty. Attendees include German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg are also participating.
Upon arrival, von der Leyen emphasized the critical juncture Europe faces, stating that European security is at a turning point. Yes, it is about Ukraine, “but also about us. We need an urgency mindset. We need a surge in defense. And we need both of them now.
The urgency of the meeting is underscored by the U.S. administration’s indication that European nations will not have a direct role in the forthcoming peace talks but will be consulted throughout the process. This exclusion has prompted European leaders to close ranks and present a cohesive front.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed readiness to deploy British troops to Ukraine to enforce a potential peace agreement, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Conversely, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk did not plan to deploy Polish soldiers to Ukraine.
The Palace has indicated that this gathering is intended to initiate a series of discussions among European leaders, including those not present in Paris, to ensure all partners invested in European peace and security are engaged.
The prospect of being sidelined in peace negotiations has alarmed European nations, who view their security as intrinsically linked to Ukraine’s future. For the past three years, Europe has collaborated closely with Washington to counter Russian aggression and support Ukraine’s economy. However, Trump’s unilateral approach, exemplified by his 90-minute call with Putin, has disrupted this unity and positioned the U.S. as the primary negotiator.
A U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, has indicated that the White House operates on an accelerated timeline, expecting a deal within days or weeks. He outlined a dual-track strategy: the U.S. engaging separately with Russia and Ukraine and with democratic allies supporting Ukraine. Kellogg stated that Europe would not have a seat at the negotiation table to avoid an extensive group discussion.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Russian officials in Saudi Arabia to advance these discussions. The Kremlin has confirmed that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will attend the meeting, focusing on restoring the entire complex of U.S.-Russian relations†and preparing for a potential summit between Trump and Putin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strongly objected to any agreements made without Ukraine’s involvement, stating his country would never accept deals made behind our backs. He has also warned against potential political maneuvers by Putin, cautioning that the Russian leader might attempt to use such negotiations to his advantage.
As the situation develops, European leaders strive to assert their influence and ensure that any peace agreement aligns with Ukrainian and broader European security interests.
