Does Europe find an answer to Trump?

Ukraine war

Crisis summit in Paris: Does Europe find an answer to Trump?

The United States wants to end the Ukraine war on single-handedly with Russia. Europe has to act quickly to secure a say and its security after a deal. Can it be done at a meeting in Paris?

“Consultations on the situation in Ukraine and on security issues in Europe” – at first glance, the topic of the meeting of European state and government heads in Paris sounds little exciting. However, the events of the past few days make it clear that it is nothing more than a crisis summit. The most important thing at a glance:

The top topic is the question of how Europe should react to the drastic change of course in US Ukraine policy. This aims to force Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj and Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin in negotiations on the end of the war and to transfer responsibility for the protection of a peace deal.

In addition, in Berlin and other European capitals, the request to report possible contributions to security guarantees for Ukraine recently received the request. According to information from the German Press Agency, the countries should state, among other things, how many soldiers could send them to Ukraine for a peace force or training programs after an end to the Russian attack war. In addition, it should also be about weapon systems and the question of what is expected from the USA.

At the same time, Europeans have to decide how they want to deal with the fact that the Americans do not see a central role in the negotiating process for them – and that Ukraine are unintentional demanding. In order to enable an end to the Russian war of aggression, it should give up their ambitions to a quick NATO accession from a US perspective and accept that part of their state remains permanently under Russian control.

In addition to Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the heads of state and government of Great Britain, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark are expected. In addition, EU Commission President Ursula von Leyen, President of Councilor António Costa and NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte are among them. The host is France President Emmanuel Macron.

As often in crisis moments, Macron tears the initiative itself to act on an international stage as a driver and moderator for a possible solution. In the Ukraine conflict, almost a year ago, he thought about the idea of ​​stationing soil troops there. And on the occasion of the return of the Cathedral Notre-Dame shortly before Christmas, he managed to bring Trump and Selenskyj to a table for initial talks about the end of the war in Paris.

Macron had shortly before with an initiative for an international military contingent in Ukraine to secure a possible ceasefire. Details on the Paris Initiative for Peace Troops did not become known. A presence of troops for military training programs for the Ukrainian armed forces was also conceivable. These could also be a security guarantee for Ukraine, which is now being discussed in Paris.

Ideally, the European heads of state and government agree on a joint strategy in dealing with the new US government and its ideas about a solution to the Ukraine War. Specifically, it should be about which offers can be made – and what red lines are. However, public announcements – for example on the possible size of a European troop accounting for Ukraine – are not expected. From the EU Commission it was said that the talks from Monday should then be continued in other formats – with the aim of bringing all partners together who are interested in peace and security in Europe.

The decisive factor was the pressure of the United States, which will shortly want to organize top conversations with the Russians in Saudi Arabia. If Europeans want to keep the chance to have an impact on the negotiations, they must have a common point of view by then. NATO Secretary General Rutte expressly welcomed the initiative at the Munich Security Conference. He said he was very happy that the meeting took place.

On Sunday, US President Donald Trump once again confirmed that Vladimir Putin was interested in hiring the battles. “I think he wants to end it,” said Trump. As before his Foreign Minister Marco Rubio, Trump said that Ukraine would be involved in the talks for a possible peace.

One reason should be that it can be worked much more efficiently in small rounds than in large ones. It is also conceivable that the presence of Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was not welcome. The right -wing politician is considered a fan and close confidante of Trump.