Europe Reinvents Security Strategy Amid U.S.-Russia Negotiations
European leaders convened in Paris this week to address urgent defense challenges, pledging to increase military spending while navigating divisions over potential peacekeeping missions in Ukraine. The emergency meeting comes as U.S.-led negotiations with Russia reshape global security dynamics.
Anonymous officials revealed that leaders agreed a ceasefire without a formal peace agreement would be “dangerous,” with security guarantees for Ukraine contingent on U.S. support levels. “We agree with [the] ‘peace through strength’ approach,” one European official told Reuters, referencing President Trump’s strategy.
The talks followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement of direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, bypassing European allies and Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron organized the Paris meeting as a counterpoint to U.S.-Russia discussions set to continue in Saudi Arabia this week.
Analysts note Europe’s growing focus on defense autonomy: “The U.S. pivot has forced EU nations to confront their reliance on American military infrastructure,” said security expert Clara Mertens. Recent NATO data shows only 11 European members currently meet the alliance’s 2% GDP defense spending target.
While no consensus emerged on deploying peacekeepers, leaders emphasized strengthening cyber defenses and streamlining arms production. The outcomes signal a potential turning point in transatlantic security cooperation ahead of November’s U.S. elections.
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Europe talks up defense spending amid Ukraine peace plan divisions
cgtn.com
