European Union leaders convened in an emergency session on Thursday to strategize ways to rapidly bolster their military spending. This urgency follows the Trump administration’s indication that Europe should assume responsibility for its security, alongside a halt in U.S. assistance to Ukraine. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to temporarily stop military aid to Ukraine—urging President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict with Russia—has added pressure to the discussions unfolding at the EU summit in Brussels.
Russia has dismissed a peace offer proposed by France and Britain, labeling it as an attempt to temporarily aid the Ukrainian military. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, criticized the idea of pausing air and naval attacks, arguing it would prolong the conflict by allowing Ukraine to reinforce its military. Concurrently, Friedrich Merz, predicted to be Germany’s next chancellor, will not attend the summit. However, he has engaged with several high-ranking European officials, advocating for enhanced European defense capabilities.
The UK has announced the progression of plans for a multinational military force aimed at maintaining peace in Ukraine, with around 20 countries participating in the talks. The initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, seeks a ‘coalition of the willing’ to ensure peace post-ceasefire, with only the UK and France committed to deploying troops thus far.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has firmly opposed the deployment of NATO troops as peacekeepers in Ukraine, interpreting it as NATO’s direct involvement in the conflict. German leadership, including Scholz, has stressed the need for increased defense spending across Europe, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to boost European military industry and capabilities.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the critical role of Europe in any future negotiations about Ukraine, amidst uncertainties around continued U.S. involvement. In a similar tone, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the urgent need for Europe to be self-reliant in its defense, recognizing the unprecedented challenges faced.
On the agenda is also a strategic response to U.S. tariff threats, with a unified European approach advocated by Scholz to leverage Europe’s economic strength. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, voiced concern over the U.S.’s approach towards Russia, signaling potential threats to Europe if the current trajectory continues.
Ahead of the summit, German leader Scholz affirmed that Europe must sustain financial and military aid to Ukraine while securing ongoing U.S. support. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed this sentiment, emphasizing a fair peace for Ukraine that respects its sovereignty. The Baltic states have shown support for Macron’s suggestion to discuss Europe’s nuclear deterrent, viewing it as a crucial defense against Russian threats.
The Kremlin has criticized Macron’s recent overtures towards European nuclear deterrence discussions as confrontational, interpreting his speech as an inclination towards extending hostilities rather than seeking peace. President Zelenskyy, upon arriving at the summit, expressed gratitude for the EU’s steadfast support and collaboration in enhancing regional security.
Financial constraints pose challenges to boosting defense spending, with proposals for increased borrowing being tabled to facilitate such initiatives. Despite budgetary pressures, notably in France and other high-debt European countries, France has stepped in to provide military intelligence support to Ukraine following the U.S. pause in aid.
In Ukraine, a deadly Russian missile strike in President Zelenskyy’s hometown underlines the urgent need for effective defensive measures. Meanwhile, intensive meetings in Brussels have set the stage for renewed defense strategies, with discussions such as Macron’s proposal about European nuclear deterrence promising to chart the future of European defense policy.
