EU Leaders Meet in Paris to Address US Policy Shift on Ukraine

European leaders convened in Paris for an emergency summit to address concerns over the Trump administration's decision to pursue direct negotiations with Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict, sidelining both Kyiv and EU allies. The meeting was prompted by Trump's recent phone call with Russian President Putin, which has raised alarms about NATO's cohesion and Europe's security autonomy. Key leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressed a willingness to consider deploying troops to Ukraine, viewing it as a crucial moment for collective European security. However, Germany and Spain indicated reluctance to send troops, emphasizing the need for a peace agreement first and the importance of U.S. involvement in any potential deployment. The summit highlighted the urgent need for European nations to reassess their defense strategies in light of the shifting U.S. foreign policy landscape. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remarked that Europe's security is at a critical juncture, underscoring the need for increased defense spending.