**Europe‘s Leaders Scramble to Regain US Attention**
European leaders are meeting in Paris on Monday for an emergency security summit. This comes after being excluded from talks between the US and Russia about Ukraine’s future.
US President Donald Trump said he might meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin soon, but the exact details of these talks are unclear. Europe wants to show a united front on security spending and Ukraine’s future, including sending troops there.
**Trying to Regain Influence**
Europe hopes to persuade Mr. Trump that it is an important partner. The Paris meeting will focus on two major issues: increasing defence spending and sending troops to Ukraine after a ceasefire.
However, not all European countries will be at the summit. Only those with significant military power – like the UK, France, and Germany – have been invited.
**Fear of Losing US Support**
Europe fears that if the Trump administration does not prioritize relations with its partners or their defence, it may lose the security umbrella provided by the US since World War Two. This could lead to a change in Europe’s security architecture.
Russian President Putin has historically resented Nato’s expansion eastwards. European countries near Russia feel particularly exposed.
**Uncertainty Surrounds Troop Deployment**
The idea of sending troops to Ukraine is not new, but it remains controversial. The proposed “reassurance force” would be stationed behind the ceasefire line, not on it.
However, many questions remain unanswered: how many troops would each country send, for how long, and under whose command? What would their mission statement be?
**Conversation Starts, Not Decisions Made**
The Paris meeting is meant to start a conversation, not make concrete decisions. Leaders will discuss defence spending, troop deployment, and Ukraine’s future.
However, it’s unclear if Donald Trump will pay attention or even respond to Europe’s concerns.
**A Chance for the UK and EU to Mending Relations**
The summit also offers an opportunity for the UK and other European leaders to improve relations after Brexit. The UK hopes to demonstrate its commitment to European security and potentially improve trade relations with the EU.
France, the host country, feels confident that Europe can become less reliant on outside countries for defence and supply chains.
**A Weak Hand**
Julianne Smith, former US ambassador to Nato, says that whatever Europe achieves in Paris, it’s not enough. If the US plans to turn away from Ukraine and Europe, they will have to significantly increase their own defence spending anyway.
Vladimir Putin is likely watching these developments closely.