European leaders convened in Paris on Monday to strategize on regional security as the Trump administration presses forward with plans to engage Russia in Ukraine peace talks—without European or Ukrainian participation. The hastily arranged summit, called by French President Emmanuel Macron, follows a tense week of diplomacy that left European officials increasingly concerned about Washington’s shifting stance.
The urgency of the meeting was sparked by recent visits from U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whose interactions with European counterparts raised alarms over the Trump administration’s approach. In Munich, Vance delivered a scathing speech criticizing Europe’s exclusion of far-right groups from political power, further exacerbating tensions. The U.S. decision to open negotiations with Russia in Saudi Arabia—without consulting allies—added to European anxieties.
Trump’s unilateral outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin further unsettled European officials, breaking a diplomatic freeze that had isolated the Kremlin leader since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago.
Europe Confronts Security Uncertainty
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the stakes, stating on social media that the continent must adopt an “urgency mindset” and bolster its defense capabilities. The Paris discussions focused on Europe’s role in any future Ukraine settlement and the long-term implications of an America potentially retreating from its traditional security commitments.
Among the critical issues debated: increasing military spending, securing Ukraine’s future, and the possibility of European-led peacekeeping forces. The question of U.S. military withdrawals from Europe remains a key concern, with officials worried that Washington’s pivot could leave the continent vulnerable to Russian aggression.
While Trump’s envoys insist that Europe must take the lead in supporting Ukraine moving forward, European leaders argue that they deserve a seat at the negotiating table. Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, frustrated European officials in Munich by suggesting that negotiations should primarily involve the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine—excluding European nations.
Diverging Approaches and Growing Divisions
The Paris meeting coincided with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s arrival in Riyadh, where he and other U.S. officials are set to discuss Ukraine with Russian representatives. However, these talks appear to be preliminary, aiming to establish a framework for future negotiations rather than finalizing any agreement.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking from the United Arab Emirates, reaffirmed that Kyiv would reject any deal brokered between the U.S. and Russia without Ukraine’s direct involvement. He also stressed the need for European participation in any settlement.
Despite a united front on the need to support Ukraine, fractures within Europe are evident. Several Eastern European nations voiced frustration over not being included in the Paris talks, with some officials arguing that the meeting—organized by Macron—undermined European unity. Critics suggested that the European Council, rather than France, should have spearheaded the discussions.
Preparing for an Uncertain Future
As European leaders grapple with potential shifts in U.S. policy, Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signaled a willingness to deploy British troops to help secure Ukraine’s future. Macron, who has long advocated for European defense autonomy, has proposed the creation of a European peacekeeping force, though key questions remain about its size, mandate, and ability to deter Russian aggression.
NATO officials stress that any such mission must be backed by strong commitments, including U.S. support for intelligence, air defense, and key military assets. However, with no clear U.S. strategy in place, European leaders acknowledge that discussions are still in their early stages.
The broader issue of European defense spending is also on the agenda. With expectations that Washington will reduce its military presence on the continent, NATO is pushing member states to increase their defense budgets beyond the current 2% GDP target. A new threshold—potentially 3% or higher—could be established at the upcoming NATO summit.
As Europe navigates these challenges, the Paris meeting marks the beginning of what is expected to be a series of high-level discussions on how the continent can secure its future amid growing uncertainty about U.S. commitments.