European Leaders Convene in Paris to Shape Ukraine's Future Amid US-Russia Talks

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European leaders, led by President Emmanuel Macron, are set to meet in Paris to discuss the future of Ukraine against a backdrop of escalating tensions with the US and Russia. As high-level US and Russian delegations prepare to hold talks in Riyadh for the first time in two years, there are concerns in Europe about potential Russian plans for imposing Ukrainian neutrality and redistributing spheres of influence, similar to agreements made post-World War II.

Ukraine, alongside its European allies, perceives Russian President Vladimir Putin's intentions as a push to restructure the postwar order, potentially as a precondition for a ceasefire. The Paris summit will further explore European defense capabilities intended to provide Ukraine with credible security guarantees and address the possibility of automatic NATO membership for Ukraine in case of ceasefire violations, as noted by Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

Officials, including UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, have emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s involvement in negotiations about its future, demanding recognition of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The summit highlights Europe's need for a unified response amid growing concerns over US engagement and its implications for European security.

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