European Leaders Meet in Paris to Discuss Security Guarantees for Ukraine: Trump Urges Economic Pressure on Russia and China
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with European leaders in Paris, including President Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, to discuss efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine. The leaders emphasized the need for security guarantees for Ukraine. President Trump urged Europe to stop buying Russian oil and to put economic pressure on China for funding Russia's war efforts. European nations are working to reduce their reliance on Russian fossil fuels and secure military support for Ukraine.
European nations, led by Britain and France, are seeking assurances from the White House for military support in Ukraine post-ceasefire. Witkoff participated in a meeting to discuss aid for Ukraine and plans for military support in case of a ceasefire to deter future Russian aggression. European leaders are looking for American backing for any reassurance force in Ukraine.
The European coalition, with President Trump's support, is committed to applying pressure on Russian President Putin to achieve a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine. While Ukraine has agreed to an immediate ceasefire proposal, Putin has not agreed to meet with Zelenskyy on neutral ground. The coalition is considering supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine to strengthen its defenses.
President Trump has ruled out deploying American troops to Ukraine but may provide coordination support. Zelenskyy's government seeks continued U.S. intelligence sharing and air support. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that Ukraine is a sovereign country, and Moscow cannot dictate security guarantees for Ukraine. The coalition is prepared to provide security guarantees to Ukraine once peace is signed.