In a rare move, over 30 high-ranking military officials from NATO, the EU, Japan, and Australia met in Paris on Tuesday without U.S. participation, signaling Europe’s intent to take on a more significant role in Ukraine’s security. The meeting comes amid the unpredictability of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance toward Russia.
The officials discussed options for guaranteeing Ukraine’s security in the event of a ceasefire agreement, including potential European peacekeeping forces and long-term military support for Ukraine. One European diplomat emphasized the political message: “We can do this together, even without the U.S.” However, it was also acknowledged that deterring Russia remains a challenge that requires U.S. involvement.
The absence of the U.S. delegation served as a reminder of the growing discomfort among traditional U.S. allies, especially as Trump continues to push for peace talks and has supported several Russian demands, such as denying Ukraine NATO membership.
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu emphasized the need for a strong Ukrainian military, which he views as the primary security guarantee, and rejected any notion of demilitarizing Ukraine.
