European leaders are set to convene next week for an emergency summit on the war in Ukraine. The meeting, expected to take place in Paris, comes amid growing concerns that the United States is engaging in peace negotiations with Russia without European involvement.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is expected to attend, has called this moment a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to reassess Europe’s role in global security. Starmer emphasized the need for Europe to take a more significant role in NATO, particularly as the US appears to be moving ahead independently in talks with Russia.
The urgency of the summit follows statements by Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, who noted that previous negotiations failed due to excessive involvement of different parties. He suggested that a streamlined approach, excluding European leaders, might yield better results. This stance has alarmed European nations, who fear being sidelined in critical discussions that will shape the future of the continent’s security.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet with Russian negotiators in Saudi Arabia in the coming days. While US officials claim that Ukraine has been invited to participate, President Volodymyr Zelensky insists his country has received no formal invitation. This further fuels speculation that key decisions about Ukraine’s future may be made without its direct input.
Zelensky has responded forcefully, rejecting any deals made “behind our backs.” Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he also called for the formation of an “army of Europe,” underscoring the need for the continent to prepare for a future in which US military support is no longer guaranteed.
European leaders are particularly wary given past diplomatic failures, such as the 2015 Minsk agreements, which sought to establish a ceasefire in Ukraine’s Donbas region but ultimately collapsed. Learning from these past efforts, European nations are determined to have a stronger voice in any peace process.
In addition to the Paris summit, Starmer is scheduled to visit President Trump at the White House later this month to discuss Europe’s position on Ukraine. A follow-up meeting between European leaders and Zelensky is also expected upon Starmer’s return.
With US-initiated peace talks beginning imminently, European nations are facing mounting pressure to assert their influence. As discussions unfold, the summit will be a crucial test of Europe’s ability to unify and respond to shifting global dynamics.
