European leaders on Monday called for higher spending to ramp up the continent's defense capabilities but remained split on deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine to support any potential peace deal.
The emergency meeting, held in Paris, concluded that concluding a Ukraine ceasefire without a corresponding peace agreement would be perilous. Officials also indicated a readiness to provide security guarantees to Ukraine, \"depending on the level of American support,\" a European official told Reuters.
\"We agree with President Trump on a 'peace through strength' approach,\" the official added.
The Paris meeting was convened by French President Emmanuel Macron following U.S. President Donald Trump's arrangement of bilateral talks with Russia. These initial negotiations exclude European allies and Ukraine, with subsequent talks scheduled to begin in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Macron had a discussion with Trump ahead of the Paris meeting, according to officials from both countries. A White House official described the call as \"friendly,\" focusing on the Paris meeting and the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia.
Last week, Trump surprised Ukraine and European allies by announcing a direct call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war without prior consultation with them. This move has led European nations to recognize the need for increased efforts to ensure Ukraine's security in a future with potentially reduced U.S. protection.
The U.S. decision has underscored the importance for European nations to bolster their own defense measures to support Ukraine effectively.
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Europe talks up defense spending amid Ukraine peace plan divisions
cgtn.com
