The European Union aims to keep pressure on Russia through sanctions to achieve "a just and sustainable peace" in Ukraine, European Council President António Costa announced on social media during the opening of a summit of Ukraine’s allies in Paris.
Costa reiterated that the best way to support Ukraine is to remain consistent in striving for a just and sustainable peace, which means continuing to apply sanctions on Russia. He is attending the summit of the so-called 'coalition of willing countries' on Thursday.
Leaders from approximately 30 countries have gathered in Paris to discuss the delivery of fresh military aid to Kyiv in the short term and to provide long-term security assurances. This could involve sending a peacekeeping force as part of a potential peace agreement with Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting the summit along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"Europe can defend itself. We must prove it," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared on social media at the beginning of the meeting.
Other key attendees include British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is also present, marking Belgium’s return to these talks after missing previous rounds in Paris and London.
The Franco-British initiative is running parallel to separate negotiations led by the United States with Ukraine and Russia regarding a ceasefire that could pave the way for a peace agreement.
The US, seeking closer ties with Moscow since President Donald Trump took office, is not represented in Paris. However, Macron spoke with Trump by phone on Wednesday to discuss the summit.
