Dhaka, February 17, 2025 – In a surprising move, U.S. President Donald Trump initiated discussions on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with Russian President Vladimir Putin, catching Ukraine and its European allies off guard. This development has prompted French President Emmanuel Macron to host an emergency meeting with key European leaders on Monday to address the continent’s security concerns.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that the meeting in Paris will include leaders from Britain, Germany, Poland, Italy, Denmark, NATO Secretary General Marc Rutte, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also expected to attend.
The discussions come amid growing concerns over the U.S. administration’s shift in focus from European security to China. The Kremlin has pushed for negotiations, set to begin in Saudi Arabia, to address not only the Ukraine war but also broader European security issues. This has raised fears among European nations that Russian President Vladimir Putin could revive demands to limit NATO forces in Eastern Europe and reduce U.S. involvement on the continent.
At the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the creation of a European army, emphasizing that Europe can no longer rely solely on Washington for its defense. Zelenskyy insisted that any decisions about Ukraine or Europe must include their respective voices.
Barrot echoed Zelenskyy’s sentiments, stating, “Only the Ukrainians can decide to stop fighting, and we will support them until they make that decision.” He added that the Europeans must provide long-lasting peace guarantees.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has suggested that Ukraine’s NATO membership is unrealistic and that the country may need to abandon hopes of regaining all its lost territory. Finnish President Alexander Stubb warned that any talks between the U.S. and Russia must not compromise European security, emphasizing that Europe must not allow Russia to dictate a new security order.
As the Ukraine war nears its third anniversary, the upcoming meeting in Paris will be crucial in determining Europe’s response to the evolving geopolitical landscape.