Munich: European leaders are expected to gather in Paris on Monday for an emergency summit to address the ongoing war in Ukraine, following indications that the United States intends to move forward with peace negotiations with Russia without involving European partners.
Although the Élysée Palace has not officially confirmed the meeting, several European officials have hinted that preparations are underway.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, speaking at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) on Saturday, stated that the summit would likely take place, with final arrangements to be completed by Sunday. Sikorski had also posted about the meeting on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), but later deleted the posts.
Meanwhile, European Union foreign ministers plan to hold an emergency session on Sunday during the MSC to address concerns over Washington’s approach.
Recent comments from US officials have fueled anxiety in Europe after US Special Envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, made it clear that Europe would not be part of upcoming peace talks involving Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv.
Kellogg, who is scheduled to visit Brussels on Monday, stated that while Europe’s perspectives would be considered, it would not have a seat at the negotiation table. “I come from a school of realism — I don’t think it’s going to happen,” he said when asked about Europe’s involvement. Kellogg encouraged European leaders to focus on offering concrete defence strategies rather than expressing disappointment over their exclusion.
Amid rising transatlantic tensions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the formation of a united European military force, which he dubbed “The Armed Forces of Europe.” Addressing the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy argued that Europe must take its defence into its own hands and reduce dependence on external powers.
“I truly believe the time has come for Europe to create its own armed forces,” Zelenskyy declared. He further commented that former President Donald Trump had never mentioned including Europe in potential peace talks, signaling a possible shift in US foreign policy.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also expected to attend the Paris summit and will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington later this month.
Earlier this week, Trump announced that Starmer had requested the meeting during a recent phone call, though the agenda remains undisclosed. Trump noted that he and Starmer have a strong rapport. Starmer’s visit may aim to strengthen ties between the US and Europe amid the growing uncertainty over peace efforts in Ukraine.
