European leaders will meet next week in Paris for an emergency summit on the war in Ukraine amid concerns that the U.S. is sidelining them in peace negotiations with Russia. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who will attend, called it a “once-in-a-generation moment for our national security,” emphasizing Europe’s need for a stronger role in NATO.
The summit follows remarks from Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, who said European leaders would be consulted but not directly involved in talks between the U.S. and Russia. American and Russian officials, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are set to meet in Saudi Arabia, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claims he was not invited.
Zelensky has warned against deals being made “behind our backs” and called for an “army of Europe” in response to fears that the U.S. may be shifting its stance. Meanwhile, Starmer is expected to visit President Trump in Washington to push for transatlantic unity. Trump’s sudden push for negotiations, including a direct call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has sparked concerns among European allies. The move recalls his controversial 2018 Helsinki meeting with Putin, where he defended Russia against U.S. election interference claims.
With fears of Europe’s diminishing influence, French President Emmanuel Macron has convened the emergency summit, and further discussions with Zelensky are expected after Starmer’s U.S. visit.
As U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance urges Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defense, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has warned that “Putin will not go away,” stressing the need for increased European defense spending.
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