• UK PM Keir Starmer expresses readiness to deploy troops to Ukraine, emphasizing collective European security.
• European leaders will meet in Paris to discuss security, coinciding with Ukraine war's near third anniversary.
• Recent US policy shifts raise concerns over Europe’s role in negotiations with Russia.
• Discussions will include key leaders from Germany, Italy, and NATO, amid fears of sidelining European interests.
• Ukrainian President Zelensky calls for a European army, highlighting reliance on US security guarantees.

In a critical meeting scheduled for Monday, February 17, European leaders will gather in Paris to address escalating security concerns stemming from ongoing tensions related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which approaches its third anniversary. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has notably declared that the UK is prepared to send troops to Ukraine if deemed necessary, an assertive stance reflecting the growing urgency among European nations to bolster their collective security amid shifting US priorities. Starmer stated, "Any role in helping to guarantee Ukraine's security is helping to guarantee the security of our continent, and the security of this country," affirming his commitment to European stability before the forthcoming discussions [India Times].

The planned conference is expected to include leaders from key nations including Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark, alongside notable figures such as EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The discussions aim to tackle the implications of recent US policy changes under President Donald Trump, who has indicated a potential de-prioritization of European security in favor of a pivot towards China, complicating the US's traditional role as a security guarantor in Europe. Trump recently initiated conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stirring apprehension among European allies regarding their inclusion in peace negotiations and the potential revival of past demands concerning NATO's presence in Eastern Europe.

Amidst these negotiations, Ukraine has voiced a strong desire for more direct involvement in discussions related to its future. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of Ukrainian input, stating, "There should be no decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine," highlighting a clear demand for autonomy in shaping its security framework as European leaders approach upcoming dialogues. Furthermore, Zelenskyy has advocated for the establishment of a European army, asserting that reliance on US support is no longer viable given the current geopolitical landscape, which has raised alarms about insufficient collective European action against Russian aggression.

European leaders are entering this meeting with a sense of urgency, as voiced by Antonio Costa, head of the European Council, who reiterated that "the security of the European Union and of Ukraine are intertwined." He cautioned, stating, "There will be no credible and successful negotiations, no lasting peace, without Ukraine and without the European Union" [Channel News Asia].

The context of this meeting is further complicated by increasing fears that negotiations commencing in Saudi Arabia could sideline European interests, with Russian officials demanding substantial concessions from NATO. This scenario poses substantial risks to long-standing security arrangements within Europe, as characterized by Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who cautioned against granting Russia any leverage that would alter the current security framework. Overall, the Paris meeting appears poised to redefine European strategies and commitments in response to the ongoing security crisis [The Local].