European leaders are convening for an emergency summit on Ukraine amid concerns that the Trump administration’s initiative to engage Russia may sideline the continent in peace negotiations. Following President Trump’s announcement of imminent negotiations with Russia, European officials are scrambling to reassess their response, especially after it was indicated that Europe would not be part of the discussions.
French President Emmanuel Macron will lead the “informal” gathering on Monday, involving leaders from Germany, the UK, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, as well as key EU and NATO representatives. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised the importance of unity among NATO allies to confront external threats.
The urgency of this meeting arises from shifting US policy, where new comments from US Defence Secretary Peter Hegseth suggested a potential break from earlier positions regarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and NATO membership. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed alarm over being excluded from discussions concerning Ukraine’s future, highlighting a worrisome departure from a previously united front between the US and Europe on support for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy warned against decisions made without Ukrainian input, emphasising that Europe must be included in any future peace talks. As doubts over the US’s commitment to European security grow, the situation remains precarious with the war nearing its third anniversary.