French President Macron Invites European Leaders for Ukraine Summit

Author: Luthfie Febrianto
February 18, 2025

Arsip - Presiden Prancis Emmanuel Macron di Paris pada 10 April 2022. (ANTARA - Xinhua/Gao Jing)

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - French President Emmanuel Macron has invited European leaders to the Paris summit to discuss issues arising from US President Donald Trump's policies regarding Ukraine.

As quoted from Guardian, tensions over Ukraine between the US and Europe are set to intensify this week, with the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, and the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, beginning preliminary ceasefire talks in Riyadh on Monday for the first time after over two years.

In Paris, leaders from key European nations will convene to develop a strategic response following weeks of unclear briefings from the Trump administration.

The summit is expected to explore how Europe can enhance its defense capabilities and provide Ukraine with security guarantees, including a plan for Ukraine's automatic NATO membership in the event of a ceasefire breach by Russia.

European leaders are also grappling with the potential consequences of the US's growing influence in the negotiations and the possibility of a carve-up of Ukraine, echoing concerns from World War II-era agreements.

Meanwhile, UK Labour leader Keir Starmer has expressed his willingness to contribute British troops to peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine and is preparing to play a pivotal role in addressing Europe's concerns with the US.

Starmer's efforts are seen as part of a broader diplomatic strategy to bridge the gap between Europe and the US, particularly as European leaders seek a more active role in determining Ukraine's future.

Amid these discussions, US President Trump’s recent actions, including a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his controversial statements about Ukraine's future, have further complicated the situation.

Europe is divided on how to handle Trump's proposals, with some fearing a rupture in the transatlantic relationship, while others believe that by enhancing European defense capabilities, a path to reconciliation can be forged.

Writer: Andi Raisa Malaha Thambas