Donald Trump has mentioned that Vladimir Putin is interested in putting an end to the fighting in Ukraine, just before an “emergency meeting” of European leaders.
Emmanuel Macron is set to convene a gathering in Paris on Monday with figures such as Sir Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to discuss the next steps for Ukraine.
The French president aims to shape Ukraine’s future at this impromptu meeting, organized swiftly after announcements from the United States.
While the US holds talks in Saudi Arabia with Russia, European representatives have not been included. It remains uncertain whether Ukraine will participate.
A Ukrainian delegation is currently in Saudi Arabia to prepare for a potential visit from Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a Ukrainian official revealed on Sunday.
However, less than 24 hours earlier, a senior Zelenskyy adviser had denied Ukraine’s involvement in the talks.
“There is nothing significant on the table for discussion,” stated Mykhailo Podolyak in a TV interview.
Prior to attending a NASCAR event in Florida on Sunday, Mr Trump expressed his belief that Mr Putin wants to cease hostilities.
“They [Russia] possess a powerful military machine, as you know. They have triumphed over Hitler and Napoleon. They have been engaged in conflict for a long time.”
The meeting organized by Mr Macron is expected to be attended by British Prime Minister Sir Keir, Germany’s Mr Scholz, Danish PM Mette Frederiksen, and Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, among other European leaders.
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European leaders to hold meeting
Prior to the discussions, Sir Keir stated that he is prepared to deploy British troops in a peacekeeping capacity in Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached.
In an article for The Daily Telegraph, the prime minister emphasized the UK’s willingness to take a leading role in Ukraine’s defense and security, committing £3 billion annually until 2030 and potentially deploying troops if needed.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and NATO chief Mark Rutte are also anticipated to participate in the Paris summit.
The objective of the talks is to “bring together all partners interested in peace and security in Europe,” as per a statement from France.
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Meanwhile, associates from the Trump administration are en route to Saudi Arabia for peace negotiations with Russia. The talks are scheduled to commence in Riyadh on Tuesday, as reported by Russian newspaper Kommersant.
Mr Trump’s advocacy for a swift resolution to Russia’s conflict in Ukraine has raised apprehension and uncertainty among European leaders.
Following a recent conversation with Mr Putin, Mr Trump has repeatedly claimed that he and the Russian president will meet soon to discuss a peace agreement regarding Ukraine.
He has assured Mr Zelenskyy of a place at the negotiating table, but it remains unclear if European officials will also be invited.
The Ukrainian president has previously stated that he will not engage in any negotiations that exclude his country.