• European leaders gathered in Paris to address security concerns following the US's shift in policy regarding Ukraine.
• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated a willingness to deploy troops to Ukraine to help ensure peace.
• US President Donald Trump initiated unilateral discussions with Russia, sidelining European partners.
• Germany and Poland expressed caution about troop deployment, emphasizing the need for a sustainable peace agreement.
• France hosted the summit to strategize Europe’s collective security in response to the ongoing conflict.

European leaders convened in Paris on February 17, 2025, to discuss urgent security concerns regarding Ukraine, particularly in light of a significant shift in the United States' policy under President Donald Trump. The summit was prompted by Trump's recent calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where he signaled the U.S. would engage in unilateral talks aimed at resolving the conflict. As European leaders gathered, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made headlines by stating he was prepared to deploy British troops to Ukraine if necessary, framing this as a vital moment for the continent's security. "Any role in helping to guarantee Ukraine's security is helping to guarantee the security of our continent, and the security of this country," Starmer wrote in an editorial for the Daily Telegraph, accentuating the existential stakes involved in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The meeting was attended by leaders from key nations including Germany, Poland, Italy, Denmark, and Spain, alongside representatives from the European Council and NATO. The French presidency emphasized the necessity for Europeans to enhance their collective security efforts in response to the evolving geopolitical landscape. "Because of the acceleration of the Ukrainian issue, and as a result of what US leaders are saying, there is a need for Europeans to do more, better and in a coherent way," a French presidential adviser noted. This sentiment echoed across the discussions as leaders recognized the need for a unified approach to bolster peacekeeping efforts.

While the UK and Sweden indicated readiness to send troops to a post-war Ukraine, Germany hesitated, with its deputy government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann labeling discussions about troop deployment as "premature." Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard remarked that any military presence should be contingent on establishing a fair and sustainable peace. Poland also ruled out troop deployment, stressing financial and military aid instead. Amid this backdrop, Starmer and other leaders pressed for immediate and increased defense spending, warning that failure to invest now could lead to dire consequences in the future.

Importantly, at the heart of these discussions lies a broader concern regarding the potential for Russian President Putin to push for reductions in NATO forces in Eastern Europe. This fear resonates particularly in Finland and the Baltic states, with leaders asserting that any negotiations must not undermine the current security architecture. Reflecting on the talks, Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, stated, "The European Union and its member states will play a central role in ensuring a lasting peace." The leaders left the meeting resolved to pursue a coherent strategy that prioritizes both Ukraine's needs and European security, signaling a significant commitment to collective action amidst shifting global dynamics.

For further details, please refer to the original articles from Channel News Asia, Le Monde, and CBS News.