The Leaders’ Summit in Paris aims to discuss Europe’s role in securing a potential ceasefire in Russia-Ukraine war
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (U.K.) – Keir Starmer, has offered to deploy peacekeeping troops to Ukraine ahead of an emergency Leaders’ Summit in Paris.
The Leaders’ Summit, convened by the President of France – Emmanuel Macron, aims to discuss Europe’s role in securing a potential ceasefire in Russia-Ukraine war. The Summit will bring together leaders from Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark, as well as the European Union (E.U.) Officials and Secretary General of North Atlantic Treaty Organization – General Mark Rutte. The discussions will center on the security assurances that Europe and the U.S. can provide, whether jointly or independently, including the prospect of peacekeeping forces.
As of now, only the U.K. and France have offered to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine. However, the Paris Summit may mark a shift in Europe’s stance, with more nations considering an active role in post-war security measures.
Starmer’s remarks came amid growing concern among European nations that they may need to take a more active role in ensuring Ukraine’s security, particularly as the United States (U.S.) engages directly with Russia on a possible resolution. Last week, the President of the U.S., Donald Trump, spoke with the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, directly without consulting European allies. The U.S. and Russian officials are all set to meet this week in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential end to the war.
Speaking on the occasion, Starmer said, “The end of this war, when it comes, cannot merely become a temporary pause before Putin attacks again.”
Trump’s Ukraine Envoy – Keith Kellogg, further exacerbated concerns by stating that Europe would not have a seat at the table for formal peace talks. Instead, Washington has circulated a questionnaire among European Governments, seeking clarity on their willingness to contribute to Ukraine’s security in a post-war scenario.
Despite this, European nations remain divided on how to proceed. The 27-member E.U. has struggled to formulate a cohesive plan to end the conflict, with numerous previous summits failing to yield concrete outcomes. Some E.U. Officials have also expressed dissatisfaction that the Paris meeting is not structured as a full E.U. Summit, raising concerns about coherence and representation.
As Europe grapples with its next steps, Starmer’s bold commitment signals a potential turning point in the continent’s approach to the conflict. His upcoming trip to Washington to meet with Trump will likely be crucial in shaping future transatlantic cooperation on Ukraine’s security.
