European Leaders Discuss Defense Spending, Troop Deployment Amid Ukraine Crisis

In an emergency meeting in Paris, European leaders discussed their response to increasing tensions in the Ukraine conflict, particularly in light of the U.S.'s recent diplomatic overtures towards Russia. The summit, aimed at consolidating a united European front, saw leaders pledge to enhance defense spending, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz proposing a commitment of at least two percent of GDP towards defense. However, divisions emerged over the potential deployment of troops to Ukraine, with some leaders advocating for peacekeepers while others deemed the notion premature. French President Emmanuel Macron and other leaders emphasized the need for Europe to assert its autonomy in defense matters amidst concerns about U.S. reliability as an ally. Despite the discussions, no immediate action plans were established, raising questions about the effectiveness of the meeting. The backdrop of U.S.-Russia negotiations scheduled for the following day added urgency to the talks, highlighting Europe's precarious position in the ongoing crisis.