European Leaders Gather in Paris to Discuss Ukraine Peace Talks Exclusion

European leaders are set to meet in Paris on Monday to address concerns over the United States potentially excluding Europe from further negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. This summit comes amidst growing alarm in EU capitals that Europe might be left out of critical discussions involving the future security of Ukraine and Russia’s actions.

Why Europe is Worried

Comments by senior US officials indicating that Europe may not be involved in future negotiations have sparked distress across the European Union. There are fears that Ukraine could be coerced into a deal that compromises its safety, inadvertently supporting Russia’s interests.

Emergency Summit in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron has organized a rapid meeting of key European leaders at the Élysée Palace. Chancellors and prime ministers from major European nations, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, Spain, Denmark, and the Netherlands, will participate. Additional attendees include EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

US President’s Involvement in Talks

It is anticipated that US President Joe Biden will intensify pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to agree to a settlement with Russian President Vladimir Putin. There are concerns that Ukraine might be required to cede territory held by Russian forces as part of any ceasefire agreement.

Keith Kellogg’s Statement

In remarks during negotiations, the US special envoy to Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, stated that Europe would likely be excluded from these peace talks. When asked if Europe should be part of the negotiations, he replied: “I think that’s not going to happen”.

EU’s Security Concerns

The primary focus of the summit is on securing Ukraine’s long-term safety and the broader implications for Europe. Leaders will also look at the potential fallout of any agreement on the military and economic stability of European nations.

Upcoming Talks in Saudi Arabia

In the coming days, senior US and Russian officials will convene in Saudi Arabia for preliminary discussions on ending the conflict in Ukraine. The US delegation is expected to include Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Ukraine’s Stance

Ukraine has firmly stated that it will not be coerced into a detrimental settlement. Aides to President Zelenskyy have defended Ukraine’s interests at a recent security conference in Munich.

EU Division on Armed Unity

During the Munich conference, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, the leader of Ireland’s Fianna Fáil party, rejected suggestions for a European army, echoing sentiments across other EU nations. Martin emphasized that Ukraine needs security guarantees against future Russian invasions rather than a unified European military force.

US Support for Ukraine

The US has provided substantial military and financial aid to Ukraine, which, alongside assistance from European allies, has been crucial in the country’s defense against Russian forces since 2014. There is concern that the US might cut this support if Zelenskyy does not agree to a settlement.

EU’s Efforts to Intervene

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to meet with US advisor Keith Kellogg in Brussels on Tuesday. Her goal is to argue for Europe’s inclusion in future peace talks.

Conclusions

The emergency summit in Paris is a critical step in addressing the European Union’s concerns regarding the potential exclusion from Ukraine peace negotiations. It represents a collective response by key European nations to ensure that their interests and the security of Ukraine are safeguarded. As the talks in Saudi Arabia approach, the world watches closely for any sign of a breakthrough that could end Europe’s most significant conflict in eight decades.