Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for the establishment of a joint European army to counter the threat posed by Russia. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to attend an emergency summit with European Union leaders on Monday following a call from the United States for new proposals or risk being excluded from peace negotiations concerning Ukraine.
The Prime Minister, who is scheduled to visit Washington later in February, aims to act as a mediator between Europe and the US in light of tensions caused by US President Donald Trump’s direct engagement with Vladimir Putin to explore a potential Ukraine peace agreement.
Sir Keir emphasized the significance of the moment, stating: “This is a once-in-a-generation moment for our national security, where we must confront the realities of today’s world and the threats posed by Russia. Europe must assume a greater role in NATO as we collaborate with the United States to secure Ukraine’s future.” He further added, “The UK will work to ensure unity between the US and Europe. We cannot allow divisions in the alliance to detract from the external threats we face.”
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to convene European leaders and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte for high-stakes discussions. A spokesperson for President Macron confirmed that informal talks among EU leaders are under consideration, though no final decisions have been made.
Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, asserted that Europe would not have direct involvement in Ukraine-Russia peace talks. Speaking at a conference on Saturday, he said, “It may be an uncomfortable truth, but Europe will not be at the negotiating table.” He urged European leaders to actively contribute by providing concrete proposals and increasing defense spending.
US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and special envoy Steve Witkoff are reportedly heading to Saudi Arabia for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, as per sources cited by NBC News. European leaders have grown increasingly concerned that Trump’s push for a swift ceasefire could involve significant concessions to Russia, potentially undermining European security interests. Kellogg later confirmed that any peace agreement would likely necessitate territorial concessions from Ukraine.
Addressing the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky reiterated the urgency of a European military force, arguing that Europe must no longer rely solely on the US for security. “The time has come for the creation of European armed forces,” he declared. “Europe possesses the necessary resources. It must unite and act decisively to ensure that no external power can undermine its authority.”
Zelensky also warned that Russia is reinforcing its military with an additional 150,000 troops despite Western sanctions and battlefield losses. His remarks came as Trump, a vocal critic of NATO, reiterated his stance that Europe must take greater responsibility for its defense.
During the security conference, European leaders debated potential security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelensky dismissed any security assurances from Putin, stating, “Putin cannot provide real guarantees. Not only is he a pathological liar, but Russia, in its current state, requires war to maintain its grip on power.
The world must be safeguarded against this threat.” He also rejected the notion of Ukraine being excluded from peace negotiations, asserting, “We will never accept deals made behind our backs. If we are left out of decisions regarding our future, we will lose.”
Zelensky proposed an alternative security arrangement in case NATO membership remains out of reach for Ukraine, suggesting the creation of a European-led peacekeeping force to deter future Russian aggression.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy reinforced this idea, arguing that NATO membership for Ukraine would be the most effective and cost-efficient means of ensuring lasting peace in both Europe and the transatlantic region.
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