Paris (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Leaders from the European Union gathered in a video conference on February 26, 2025, for a direct discussion with Emmanuel Macron regarding his recent gathering with Donald Trump in the US.
US President Donald Trump reiterated his intention to conclude Russia’s war “within weeks” while Macron cautioned against rushing to a ceasefire that Russia could exploit to its benefit, Euronews reported.
We had a ceasefire in the past that was not respected,
Macron stated, referring to the Minsk agreements that were unable to conclude the Donbas war.
We provided real money, to be clear,
Macron said.
The president of the European Council organised the Video conference. The call lasted approximately 30 minutes and included the attendance of all 27 leaders, a spokesperson stated.
Very useful (meeting) to prepare our special European Council on 6 March, where we will take decisions on our support to Ukraine and strengthening European defence,
Costa noted on his social media.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda stated:
To achieve peace through strength, we must act together.
Continuing to work on close European coordination, today president @EmmanuelMacron debriefed EU leaders on his meeting with @realDonaldTrump earlier this week in Washington.
— António Costa (@eucopresident) February 26, 2025
Very useful to prepare our special European Council on 6 March, where we will take decisions on our… pic.twitter.com/4RRCIJ4vgm
How are EU leaders preparing for the 6 March summit?
Analysts say the video call comes amid a frenzy of diplomatic activity sparked by Trump’s surprise phone conversation with Vladimir Putin on 12 February, which took place without consultation with Western partners.
Since then, European Union leaders have been discussing each other regarding their moves in a bid to close ranks and reassert their position in the fast-moving chain of events. The EU considers its security intrinsically connected with Ukraine’s stability as a sovereign nation.
The bloc is presently operating on a new common fund to deliver lethal and non-lethal assistance, such as artillery, air defence systems and training tools, to Ukraine in the short term. An agreement regarding the fund’s value is expected on 6 March. The plan is to put Ukraine in the most powerful possible position ahead of potential talks with Russia and establish to the US that it is willing to assume a greater share of the military and financial aid for Kyiv, a key demand from the US.
