European leaders, including U.S. allies, gathered in Paris to discuss military support for Ukraine. Co-hosted by Macron and Starmer, the summit aimed to form a coalition, excluding U.S. involvement, ahead of future ceasefire negotiations. Zelensky emphasized Europe’s need to demonstrate its self-defense capabilities amid ongoing conflicts with Russia, which demands sanctions relief before any maritime ceasefire takes effect.
Recent developments in the Ukraine conflict highlight the ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding a potential ceasefire. European leaders convened in Paris under the co-sponsorship of French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to discuss support for Ukraine. The meeting is characterized as a gathering of the “coalition of the willing,” which notably excludes the United States, and seeks to outline the military and humanitarian assistance available should a ceasefire be established.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is actively participating in the Paris summit to galvanize European allies. He emphasized that “Europe knows how to defend itself” and stressed the importance of proving this capability amid ongoing threats. The discussions are partly a response to perceived waning support from the US, particularly following a contentious meeting between Zelensky and President Trump last month.
In parallel, Russian President Vladimir Putin is engaged in a summit focused on Arctic cooperation. Russia has also expressed conditions for a maritime truce in the Black Sea, insisting that sanctions on its food and fertilizer trade must be lifted before any ceasefire takes effect. Furthermore, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov indicated the need for continued dialogue to finalize any ceasefire agreement.
The coalition’s framework is projected to facilitate not only immediate military aid but also pave the way for a European defense mechanism, underscoring a shift toward autonomy from American military support. However, Zelensky’s challenge remains to secure substantial commitments rather than mere expressions of support, particularly in light of the instability of US involvement in European security matters.
The summit in Paris represents a significant step in consolidating European unity in the face of ongoing aggression from Russia. President Zelensky’s call for Europe to showcase its self-defense capabilities reflects a strategic shift in reliance from traditional US military aid. The outcomes of these discussions could crucially affect both immediate and long-term approaches to the conflict in Ukraine, particularly concerning the potential for peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
