The emergency summit of European leaders in Paris on Ukraine lasted over three hours. It was convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, aiming for Europe to define its stance one day before direct U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh, from which Europe has been excluded.
After the summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a lengthy conversation with his French counterpart about the situation in Europe and security guarantees for his country.
“We share a common vision: security guarantees must be strong and reliable. Any other decision without such guarantees—such as a fragile ceasefire—would only serve as yet another deception by Russia and a prelude to a new Russian war against Ukraine or other European nations,” Zelensky wrote in a post on X, noting that they agreed to remain in constant contact as key decisions are made.
“Ensuring a strong and lasting peace is essential. And this can only be achieved through strong security guarantees,” he concluded.
I just had a long conversation with President of France @EmmanuelMacron following his meeting today with other European leaders to discuss the global situation, the state of affairs in Europe, and security guarantees for Ukraine.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 17, 2025
We share a common vision: security guarantees…
Zelensky: “Europe Is Weak”
Earlier, in an interview broadcast by the German public network ARD, the Ukrainian president expressed his regret that the United States, which seeks to start discussions with Russia, wants to “please Putin” and described Europe’s defense capability as “weak.”
“The problem is that the United States is now saying things that are very pleasing to Putin. I think that’s where the issue lies. Because they want to make him happy,” the Ukrainian leader stated in the interview, which was recorded on Saturday.
Regarding “the number of combat troops, the fleet, the air force, and drones, I honestly believe that Europe is weak,” Volodymyr Zelensky added.
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