10 minutes agoEuropean leaders decide to hold an emergency summit for Ukraine
Periskopi(a year ago)
(a year ago)European leaders will gather next week for an emergency summit on the war in Ukraine, in response to concerns that the US is moving ahead with Russia in peace talks that will block the continent. Sir Keir Starmer, who is expected to attend the summit in Paris, said it was a “moment that [...]
European leaders will gather next week for an emergency summit on the war in Ukraine, in response to concerns that the US is moving ahead with Russia in peace talks that will block the continent.
Sir Keir Starmer, who is expected to take part in the summit in Paris, said it was a <x0-moment that occurs once in a generation for our national security” and it was clear that Europe should take on a larger role in NATO.
This comes after Donald Trump's special envoy to Ukraine said European leaders would consult, but would not participate in any conversation between the US and Russia about ending the war.
High figures of the White House, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will meet with Russian negotiators in Saudi Arabia in the coming days. US officials said Ukraine was also invited, although President Voldymyr Zelensky says his country has not received such an invitation.
In comments that could raise concern in Ukraine and among European allies, special envoy Keith Kellogg said previous negotiations had failed because many parties were involved.
It could be like the foam on the blackboard, it might be a little gray, but I'm telling you something that's really honest,” he said on Saturday.
Europe remains haunted by Minsk's agreements, a failed ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia reached in 2015. The talks, which were mediated by France and Germany, targeted ending fighting in the Donba region of eastern Ukraine.
A further meeting of European leaders together with Zelensky is expected after Sir Keir returns from Washington.
Sir Keir said the United Kingdom will be working to ensure that we keep the US and Europe together”, adding that both cannot “allow any division in the alliance to be distracted” by the “external enemies”.
This is a moment once in a generation for our national security where we engage in the reality of the world today and the threat we face from Russia. It is clear that Europe must take on a larger role in NATO as we work with the United States to secure Ukraine's future and face the threat we face from Russia”, he said.
Earlier, Zelensky called for the creation of a European Army amid growing concerns that the US may no longer come to the aid of the continent.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he said US Vice President JD Vance's speech on this event had made it clear that the old relationship between Europe and America was “ending” and the continent “should be adjusted to this”.
Zelensky also added that Ukraine “would never accept the agreements made behind our backs without our inclusion” after Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to start peace talks. /euronews
