NATO countries are convening in Paris on Tuesday to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine following a hoped-for ceasefire deal. The meeting brings together military leaders from 30 European and NATO nations, including the US, UK, and Turkey.
European countries are seeking to enhance their defenses and reduce reliance on the US after President Donald Trump’s administration. This move is also part of efforts to break free from dependence on the United States.
Trump has renewed communication with Russia and criticized Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, raising concerns among European allies that he may try to force Ukraine to accept a settlement favoring Russia. The US President has also suspended military aid and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv.
Ukraine plans to propose an aerial and naval ceasefire with Russia in talks with US officials in Saudi Arabia. The Paris meeting of military chiefs will take place on the same day, according to the French military.
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to address the meeting, which he has said is being held in coordination with NATO’s military command. Macron has stated that any European troops in Ukraine would only be deployed “once a peace deal is signed, to guarantee it is fully respected.”
Turkey aims to play a key role in Europe’s security after Washington’s pivot away from the region. Its president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has supported Zelensky’s call for an aerial and naval truce.
The Paris meeting marks the beginning of efforts to form a “coalition of the willing” to enforce an eventual ceasefire in Ukraine. Defence ministers from Europe’s five main military powers will meet on Wednesday to discuss rearmament and military support for Ukraine.
Source: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250311-european-nato-paris-ukraine