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European Leaders Convene for Urgent Summit on Ukraine and Security
France Hosts Emergency Talks Amid U.S. Exclusion of Europe from Peace Process
French President Emmanuel Macron has convened a high-level summit of European leaders on Monday, February 17, 2025, to address the ongoing Ukraine conflict and broader European security concerns. The meeting comes in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to exclude European nations from Ukraine peace talks.
Key Participants and Objectives
Invitations have been extended to Britain, Germany, Poland, Italy, and Denmark, as well as to the European Union leadership and NATO Secretary General. The primary objectives of the summit include:
- Determining immediate support for Ukraine
- Defining Europe’s role in providing security guarantees to Kyiv
- Strengthening collective European security
U.S. Position Sparks European Frustration
U.S. Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg recently stated that Europe would not have a seat at the table for Ukraine peace talks. The U.S. has instead sent questionnaires to European capitals, asking what they could contribute to security guarantees for Kyiv. This move has fueled concerns among European leaders about being sidelined in the peace process.
Calls for a Stronger European Role
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has suggested appointing a special envoy for Ukraine to ensure Europe plays a meaningful role in negotiations. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a respected figure to manage peace talks and unify global efforts.
Growing Push for European Defense Autonomy
In light of these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for greater European self-reliance in defense. He has also proposed the creation of a European army, reflecting the growing recognition among European leaders that existing security frameworks need to be reassessed.
Implications for European Security
The outcomes of this summit could significantly shape the future of the Ukraine conflict and the security landscape of the continent. The decisions made will determine Europe’s ability to assert itself as a key player in international diplomacy and defense strategy.
“European Leaders Convene for Urgent Summit on Ukraine and Security” “European Leaders Convene for Urgent Summit on Ukraine and Security”