European leaders unite behind peace process in Paris summit, stressing need for progress and calling on Russia to engage in good faith with talks.
European Leaders Unite Behind Peace Process in Paris Summit
The two-day Paris summit on Ukraine has concluded with European leaders stressing the need to prepare for any scenario, including one where their security initiative would not be supported by the US.
Located in Eastern Europe, Ukraine is bordered by Russia to the east, Belarus to the north, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west, and Romania and Moldova to the south.
The country has a diverse geography, featuring mountains, forests, and steppes.
Its climate varies from temperate in the west to continental in the east.
Ukraine's terrain includes the Carpathian Mountains, the Crimean Peninsula, and the Dnieper River, which flows through the center of the country.
French President Emmanuel Macron outlined the structure of a future security guarantee proposed by the ‘coalition of the willing,’ which includes further support for the Ukrainian army, a reassurance force stationed away from the frontline but offering support in strategic areas, and a broader push to rearm and coordinate better among participating countries.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed plans for French, British, and German army chiefs to travel to Kyiv to help with planning support for future Ukrainian army, as part of a broader push to offer reassurance to the country. He also repeatedly called out Russia for ‘playing games and playing for time,’ saying he would want to see progress in days and weeks, not months and months.
Everything is clear about what we expect from Russia… said ‘we need to see some real movement here’.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the key lines on supporting Ukraine financially and militarily, keeping pressure on Russia, and long-term support for EU and Ukrainian defence industry. She also stressed the need for a credible deterrence and defence posture in the European Union.
In his first question, ‘it is undoubtedly very important’ said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, that it is for the US to play a role in Ukraine’s efforts, but accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of not wanting peace and trying to divide Europe and America.
Zelenskyy also welcomed new support packages for Ukraine and expressed his gratitude to France for lighting up the Eiffel Tower in Ukrainian colors. He repeated his accusation that Putin is trying to divide Europe and America through his actions.
A Coalition of Willingness
Macron stressed that a coalition of willing countries was necessary to address Russia’s delaying tactics in responding to a US-led ceasefire proposal in Ukraine. However, he emphasized that the European-led reassurance force would not be required to advance plans for its deployment.
Starmer also expressed his support for Macron’s comments, saying that a ‘coalition of willingness’ was essential to counter Russian aggression. He confirmed plans for French, British, and German army chiefs to travel to Kyiv to help with planning support for future Ukrainian army.
A Call to Action
The Paris summit has been hailed as a significant step forward in the efforts to address Russia’s actions in Ukraine. European leaders have called on Russia to engage in good faith with peace talks and to stop delaying tactics.
Starmer repeatedly emphasized the need for progress in days and weeks, not months and months. He also stressed the importance of political leadership that shows ‘the strongest Europe in a very long time.’
The summit has concluded with a clear message from European leaders: they are united behind the peace process and will continue to support Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved.
