What's happened
At a summit in Paris, European leaders, including Macron and Zelensky, discussed military support for Ukraine and the potential deployment of a peacekeeping force. Despite divisions among allies, they agreed to maintain sanctions against Russia until a ceasefire is achieved. Ongoing hostilities raise concerns about the feasibility of peace talks.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Divisions Among Allies: The summit revealed differing levels of commitment among European nations regarding troop deployment in Ukraine. While Macron and Starmer advocate for a 'reassurance force', some countries express reluctance due to logistical and political concerns.
- Sanctions as Leverage: European leaders, including Zelensky, emphasized the importance of maintaining and intensifying sanctions against Russia. This stance contrasts with U.S. signals of potentially easing sanctions, highlighting a rift in strategy.
- Military Support: The proposed European force aims to deter future Russian aggression rather than serve as peacekeepers. Macron's commitment to additional military aid underscores the urgency of strengthening Ukraine's defenses.
- Future of Peace Talks: The ongoing conflict and accusations of ceasefire violations complicate the peace process. Both sides have accused each other of breaking agreements, indicating a challenging road ahead for negotiations.
What the papers say
The Independent reported that Macron emphasized the need for a united European front, stating, "It is not up to Russia what happens on Ukrainian soil." Meanwhile, Al Jazeera highlighted that not all European allies would participate in the proposed force, with Macron acknowledging, "We do not need unanimity to achieve it." The Moscow Times noted Zelensky's warning that Russia does not genuinely seek peace, urging the U.S. to take a firmer stance against the Kremlin. Politico pointed out that European leaders are wary of U.S. intentions, with Macron stating, "Ukraine had the courage to accept an unconditional 30-day ceasefire," yet Russia has posed new conditions. This divergence in perspectives illustrates the complexities of the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
How we got here
The summit follows over three years of conflict in Ukraine, with recent U.S.-brokered ceasefire discussions. European leaders are increasingly concerned about Russia's intentions and the need for a united front to support Ukraine militarily and politically.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the proposed peacekeeping force?
- How are sanctions affecting Russia's negotiations?
- What military support is being offered to Ukraine?
Common question
-
Why is troop deployment to Ukraine uncertain?
As European leaders gather in Paris, the commitment to deploying troops to Ukraine is wavering. This uncertainty raises questions about the future of military support and the ongoing conflict with Russia. Here are some common questions and answers regarding the current situation.
-
What Are the Latest Developments in Ukraine Peacekeeping Efforts?
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, global leaders are actively discussing the formation of a peacekeeping force to support the nation. This page explores the proposed roles of this force, the contributions from various countries, and the challenges that lie ahead in achieving peace.
-
What are the latest developments in European peacekeeping efforts for Ukraine?
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, European leaders are actively discussing military support and the potential deployment of a peacekeeping force. This page explores the latest updates, the challenges faced, and the differing opinions among allies regarding troop deployment.
More on these topics
-
France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
-
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
-
Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
-
Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
-
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.
-
Giorgia Meloni (Italian: [ˈdʒordʒa meˈloːni]; born 15 January 1977) is an Italian politician who has served as Prime Minister of Italy since October 2022. She is the first woman to hold the office and the head of the third-longest Government in the h