World Leaders Convene at Ukraine Summit in Paris Amid Rising Tensions

Amid escalating tensions and persistent conflict, world leaders are arriving for a pivotal Ukraine summit in Paris, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Significant discussions include the potential deployment of peacekeeping forces by the 'coalition of the willing' and Europe's plans to secure Ukraine in light of decreasing U.S. involvement. As Russia continues aggressive military actions, such as recent drone attacks on Kharkiv, European powers are contemplating a more proactive defense role. Macron has publicly committed an additional €2 billion in military support to Ukraine, highlighting France's leading role in European defense. The coalition, which does not operate under NATO auspices due to intra-member disagreements, primarily aims to deter further Russian aggression. Notably absent from the summit is the U.S., which shows little enthusiasm for Europe's military collaboration, reflecting U.S. President Donald Trump's stance that Europe should bear its own defense responsibilities. Concurrently, there's concern about Europe's military reliance on the U.S., urging discussions on rearming and strategies to reduce such dependency. Additionally, there's the potential formation of a European force stationed within Ukraine or neighboring territories to ensure stability post-ceasefire. The summit underscores Europe's complex navigation through its defense ambitions, financial constraints, and the geopolitical landscape.