European Leaders Split on Ukraine Peacekeepers Amid U.S.-Russia Talks

European leaders met in Paris on Monday for emergency talks, urging increased defense spending to bolster the continent’s security amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. However, they remained divided on deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine without a concrete peace deal. Leaders agreed that any ceasefire must coincide with a peace agreement and expressed readiness to provide security guarantees to Ukraine, contingent on U.S. support. French President Emmanuel Macron called the meeting after U.S. President Donald Trump announced bilateral peace talks with Russia, excluding European allies and Ukraine, set to begin in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer supported sending peacekeeping troops but emphasized the need for U.S. security commitments. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed skepticism, highlighting financial strains and potential military risks. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen showed openness to troop deployments, stressing the urgency of bolstering Europe's defense against Russian threats.

Trump’s recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin sparked concerns among European nations about diminishing U.S. protection, prompting calls for increased defense budgets. EU leaders debated loosening fiscal rules to accommodate higher military spending.

In Riyadh, U.S. and Russian officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, will engage in high-level talks aimed at restoring U.S.-Russia relations and exploring peace possibilities in Ukraine. Russia has ruled out territorial concessions, and talks will remain bilateral. Russia's sovereign wealth fund chief Kirill Dmitriev highlighted potential U.S.-Russia economic cooperation, emphasizing dialogue and global stability.

The unfolding diplomatic efforts underscore Europe’s urgency to secure Ukraine and strengthen defense amid geopolitical uncertainties.