European leaders to hold emergency summit on Ukraine

European leaders met in Paris for emergency talks on the Ukraine conflict, calling for increased military spending to boost defense capabilities. They also agreed that a ceasefire without a peace agreement would be hazardous. The leaders' positions are divided, with some supporting a "peace through strength" approach, similar to that proposed by US President Donald Trump. The British government announced its readiness to send peacekeeping troops to aid in a Ukraine peace deal.

The current state of international relations surrounding the Ukraine conflict is marked by a scramble for influence and a perceived snubbing of European leaders by the United States. French President Emmanuel Macron has called an emergency meeting of European leaders to discuss their role in negotiations, with the US planning to hold talks with Russian officials this week. This development has fueled concerns that European defense interests may be sidelined, with some capitals, such as Budapest and Bratislava, already distancing themselves from Brussels.

European leaders will hold an emergency summit on Ukraine on Monday, in response to US President Donald Trump's announcement that negotiations to end the conflict would begin immediately. The summit was confirmed by the Elysée Palace, which stated that French President Emmanuel Macron would host an informal meeting.