European Leaders to Convene for Ukraine Summit in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a summit scheduled for Thursday in Paris, aimed at gathering European supporters of Ukraine. The event will feature the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as discussions focus on finalizing strategies to support the Ukrainian military and outline the role European forces could play in providing security guarantees for Ukraine.

During a press conference in Brussels, Macron emphasized the crucial need for credible support to deter a potential new Russian invasion. He noted that a reliable framework for assistance is essential to ensure that any future ceasefire holds, thereby strengthening Ukraine's position in potential negotiations.

This summit follows recent military-level talks held in London, which involved representatives from approximately two dozen European and allied nations. The Paris meeting aims to build upon the progress made in these discussions, which involved political leaders from NATO member countries and representatives from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Turkey.

Key topics on the agenda include the conditions under which European forces might be deployed to support a ceasefire, should one be established. Both the United Kingdom and France have expressed a willingness to send ground troops to Ukraine, provided there is assurance of support from the United States in the event of any escalated conflict.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also indicated that his country is considering the possibility of troop deployment, further underscoring the international commitment to Ukraine's defense.

This upcoming summit represents a significant step in ongoing efforts to coordinate military and logistical support for Ukraine amid the persistent threat of Russian aggression. As European nations deliberate on their contributions, the focus will remain on ensuring that Ukraine receives the necessary backing to maintain its sovereignty and security.