US, EU Leaders Discuss Ukraine Security, Ceasefire

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Paris on Thursday for high-level talks with European leaders on Ukraine’s future security and efforts to end the war with Russia. He was joined by Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy, as the U.S. seeks to navigate growing divisions with European allies over the conflict.

The meetings, which included French President Emmanuel Macron, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, come amid escalating concerns in Europe over the Trump administration’s approach to Russia. A Ukrainian delegation—led by presidential adviser Andrii Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov—also participated in the discussions.

Yermak described the talks as part of a broader effort to engage a "coalition of the willing," a group of roughly 30 nations led by Britain and France that aims to provide long-term security assurances for Ukraine. The coalition seeks to deter further Russian aggression while shaping any future peace agreement.

Ceasefire Efforts and Stalled Negotiations

The discussions unfolded as the Trump administration continues to push for a ceasefire, despite Moscow’s refusal to accept a comprehensive deal. Russia has demanded an end to Ukraine’s military mobilization and Western arms supplies—conditions Kiev has rejected.

Witkoff, who met with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, has been a key figure in U.S. mediation efforts. However, recent Russian missile strikes, including an attack on the town of Sumy that killed 35 civilians, have cast doubt on Moscow’s willingness to de-escalate.

European leaders have urged Washington to adopt a firmer stance toward Russia, emphasizing the need for continued military and diplomatic pressure. France and Britain have spearheaded plans for a multinational "reassurance force" of up to 25,000 troops to bolster Ukraine’s security post-conflict. Yet skepticism remains over whether the U.S. would support such an initiative.

Broader Diplomatic Strains

The Paris meetings also addressed simmering transatlantic tensions on trade, NATO, and Iran. European officials have grown increasingly wary of Trump’s rhetoric on alliance commitments and his administration’s trade policies.

Macron, who spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of the talks, reiterated Europe’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused European leaders of prolonging the war, expressing hope that Washington would relay details of recent U.S.-Russia negotiations.

As diplomatic efforts continue, the challenge remains bridging the gap between U.S. and European strategies—a task that grows more urgent as the war enters its fourth year.