France to Hold European Leaders' Meeting to Discuss Support for Ukraine | WPN World People News

At the Munich Security Conference on the 15th, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that a meeting of European leaders, including the United Kingdom, would be held soon to discuss strengthening support for Ukraine and addressing the threat from Russia. On the same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also delivered a speech, calling for greater European cooperation and the establishment of a European armed force to counter Russia collectively. On the 16th, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Britain would deploy peacekeeping troops to assist Ukraine. Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of negotiations with Russia, various parties are taking swift action to avoid being excluded.

Recently, Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating his intention to push for a ceasefire negotiation between Ukraine and Russia but did not mention the roles of Ukraine and Europe in the process, raising concerns. On the evening of the 15th, Macron announced that he would convene a summit with European leaders, including Prime Minister Starmer, to discuss how to respond to the U.S. excluding Europe from the Ukraine-Russia peace process. The meeting will also address Europe’s stance on Ukraine’s NATO membership and explore ways to support Ukraine against Russia through NATO or other European nations while ensuring Kyiv’s future security.

UK Prime Minister Starmer, who has confirmed his attendance, emphasized that this is a critical moment for national security and stated that “Europe must play a greater role within NATO.” He also reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to maintaining alignment between the U.S. and Europe. On the 16th, Starmer announced that the UK had prepared its troops for deployment to Ukraine as part of a post-war peacekeeping force and is also expected to meet with Trump. According to an analysis by The Guardian, the active coordination between the UK, France, and other European countries reflects deep concerns over the U.S. attempting to dominate Ukraine-Russia negotiations while sidelining Europe.

On the 15th, Zelensky delivered a speech stressing that the time has come to establish a "European Armed Forces" and highlighting the importance of creating a European military force and enhancing comprehensive defense capabilities. He warned that the era of the U.S. providing long-term support for Europe has ended, and Europe must unite to ensure its own security.

Although not all European countries support the idea of a European army, Zelensky’s remarks align with calls from multiple nations to strengthen Europe’s role. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated on social media that “Europe urgently needs to formulate an action plan for its own security and Ukraine; otherwise, future decisions will be dictated by other global powers.” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also revealed that European leaders are negotiating a concrete security guarantee plan for Ukraine.

Additionally, Zelensky disclosed that Ukraine rejected a critical mineral agreement with the U.S. because the proposal did not provide sufficient security assurances or benefits. The U.S. had recently proposed a joint development plan for Ukraine’s rare earth resources in exchange for future American support. Sources indicated that the proposal involved granting the U.S. control over a significant portion of Ukraine’s mineral resources.