More than 30 military chiefs from the main European allies met in Paris on Tuesday without the presence of United States representatives, in a meeting aimed at discussing how to increase war efforts in Ukraine.
This closed meeting, which included members of NATO, the EU, Japan, and Australia, was a very rare, and possibly unprecedented, gathering that took place without the participation of the United States.
The aim of the talks was to assess options and capabilities to ensure the continuity of fighting in Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, including possible European peacekeepers, and to maintain Kiev's long-term military strength.
Macron también invitó a representantes de Japón y Australia
A European diplomat involved in the talks noted that the political message was that Europe can act on its own, but also made it clear that there are things that can't be done without deterrence against Russia.
During the meeting, the need to maintain a strong Ukrainian army was discussed and how to secure its security guarantees without yielding to Russia's demands, such as the demilitarization of the country.
The French Defense Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, highlighted the importance of maintaining a robust Ukrainian army as the main security guarantee for the country.
Lecornu also stated that Europe rejects any form of demilitarization of Ukraine, a constant demand from Russia, which according to Kiev would expose the country to new attacks.
El ministro de Defensa de Francia señaló que busca un ejercito ucraniano lo más armado posible
In this context, French President Emmanuel Macron urged European military leaders to develop a plan to define credible security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. Macron noted that Europe must take a more active role, with the desire to supplant the United States as a military power.
The meeting in Paris also included a statement from Macron, who emphasized the need for Europe to "fully support Ukraine" while ensuring that any lasting peace with Russia is only possible if the protection of the Ukrainian army is secured.
The lack of U.S. participation in the talks reflects growing concern in Europe over Trump's efficient foreign policy, especially after his statements in which he indicated that he seeks a true peace rather than maintaining the interests of one side.
Macron expresó sus intenciones de reemplazar a Estados Unidos en el plano militar
Macron has sought to mobilize Europe to be more independent of the United States in terms of defense. In this regard, he has allied with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to form a "coalition of volunteers" to implement a ceasefire in Ukraine, should an agreement be reached.
The talks also included discussions on how to ensure the presence of European troops in Ukraine only after a peace agreement is signed, to guarantee a constant military presence in the country.
Meanwhile, Macron has pushed for an effort to strengthen the European defense industry. On Friday, he will meet with his country's defense manufacturers to discuss how to mobilize more resources for the "war economy."
El francés ha hecho una fuerte alianza con el primer ministro británico
Additionally, it is expected that the defense ministers of the five main military powers in Europe (France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Poland) will meet in Paris on Wednesday to address the issue of the "rearmament of Europe" and the need to continue providing military support to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, presented a plan to mobilize around 800 billion euros for strengthening European defense and immediate support to Ukraine.
France also plans to increase its defense spending, with a target of reaching about 100 billion euros per year, compared to the 50.5 billion planned for 2025.
The meeting in Paris reflects Europe's growing determination to take a more decisive role in resolving the Ukrainian conflict and in intensifying its war efforts.
Von der Leyen anunció un plan para incrementar fuertemente el gasto militar
