Paris (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European leaders are set to assemble in Paris for an emergency summit on the war in Ukraine as Trump moves forward with peace talks without engaging Europe.
As reported by the media, though the meeting has not been affirmed by French President Emmanuel Macron or representatives of the French president, European officials have indicated that the gathering is likely going ahead. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also likely observe the summit in Paris.
Talking on a panel at the Munich Security Conference, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stated the meeting will likely take place, saying that the last particulars will be finished on Sunday.
Is Trump excluding Europe from Ukraine peace talks?
The summit comes as US Special Envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, stressed that Europe will not be part of the forthcoming peace talks between Washington, Moscow and Kyiv. However, Europe’s opinion will be regarded in all peace concerns, he said.
I come from the school of realism, I think that’s not going to happen,
said Kellogg as journalists directly questioned Europe’s position in a peace deal.
To my European friends, I would say, enter the discussion not with complaints about whether or not you’re at the table, but by offering concrete proposals and ideas, particularly on defence spending,
said Kellogg.
How does Zelenskyy justify the need for a European army?
In response, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the creation of a European Army – “The Armed Forces of Europe” – as suspicion extends between Washington and Brussels.
“I really believe the time has come – the armed forces of Europe must be created”
stated Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Meeting.
He added that Trump had not once cited to him his desire to include Europe in any potential talks, stating that political waves may be turning.
“The old days are over when America supported Europe just because it always had,”
Zelenskyy stated that Europe must support itself and decrease its dependence on anyone but itself.
