European leaders are scheduled to gather in Paris for an urgent meeting on the conflict in Ukraine at the same time as the US is moving forward with peace negotiations with Russia, which are taking place without European participation.
Although there has been no official confirmation from French President Emmanuel Macron or his representatives, European officials suggest that the summit is likely to take place.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski spoke at a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, stating that the meeting is expected to take place on Monday. He noted that the final details will be confirmed on Sunday.
Sikorski also posted twice on X, formerly Twitter, to confirm the meeting is taking place, but has since removed the posts.
European Union foreign ministers will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) to discuss the recent developments, amid growing concerns that follow various statements from US officials suggesting a desire to exclude the continent from any peace talks.
The meeting takes place as US Special Envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, stressed that Europe will not be a part of the forthcoming peace negotiations between Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv.
Kellogg stated that Europe's opinion will be taken into account in all peace deliberations, ahead of his visit to Brussels on Monday.
"I come from the school of realism, I don't think that's going to happen," said Kellogg as reporters directly inquired about Europe's role in a peace agreement.
"To my European friends, I would say, engage in the conversation without dwelling on the issue of whether you have a seat at the table, but by presenting tangible proposals and ideas, especially in regards to defense spending," added Kellogg.
On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the establishment of a European Army – "The Armed Forces of Europe" – as distrust intensifies between Washington and Brussels.
“Now is the moment – the armed forces of Europe must be formed” said Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference.
The Ukrainian leader pointed out that Trump had not mentioned his intention to include Europe in any potential negotiations, suggesting that the political climate was shifting.
The era of America automatically backing Europe is long gone.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Europe to bolster its own strength and decrease its dependence on any external entity.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also expected to attend the summit in Paris. Starmer is also planning to visit US President Donald Trump in Washington in late February. Trump announced on Friday that Starmer had requested the visit on a phone call they had, but did not reveal what the two leaders will discuss.
He said that he and Starmer get along "very well". Starmer may try to position his country as a bridge between the United States and Europe, and bring the longtime allies together amidst growing uncertainty.