February 18, 2025 | 07:45 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A group of European leaders has agreed to ensure Ukraine's security in a meeting in Paris on Monday, February 17, 2025. However, it would be perilous to conclude a ceasefire without a peace agreement at the same time, said a European Union official.
"We are ready to provide security guarantees, with modalities to be examined with each party, depending on the level of American support," the official said, summarizing the Paris meeting as cited by Reuters.
The meeting was hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting was held after U.S. President Donald Trump arranged bilateral peace talks with Russia. In the negotiations on the Russia-Ukraine war, Trump did not involve Europe and Ukraine.
Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez were among the leaders in the meeting. Also present at the meeting were Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, NATO boss Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa.
"We agree with President Trump on the 'peace through strength' approach," said the EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We believe it is dangerous to conclude a ceasefire without a peace agreement at the same time," the official added.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov questioned why Europe would be invited to the peace talks, as European politicians want the war to continue.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Lavrov said that Europe had already had several opportunities to be involved in resolving the Ukraine issue. He admitted not knowing how European countries would contribute if invited to the negotiating table given their stance on the war. "There are different views on Ukraine among European politicians but most say they want what they call ‘a just and lasting peace’,” Lavrov said as cited by Reuters.
REUTERS
Editor’s Choice: U.S. and Russia Commence Ukraine War Talks in Saudi Arabia
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Rupiah Closes Weaker at Rp16,278 per U.S. Dollar
3 jam lalu
Analysts predict that the depreciation of the rupiah at today's closing will continue tomorrow.
U.S. and Russia Commence Ukraine War Talks in Saudi Arabia
4 jam lalu
Ukraine not Invited to U.S.-Russia Meeting in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Meets U.S. Top Diplomat to Discuss Gaza Plans
5 jam lalu
The meeting between Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and the U.S. Secretary of State took place ahead of the Russia-U.S. talks.
Ukraine's Zelenskiy Confirms Absence in U.S.-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia
5 jam lalu
Zelensky stated that Ukraine will not participate in the scheduled meeting between the United States and Russia on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
Top 8 Cheapest Places to Ski in Europe for 2025: Underrated and Beginner-Friendly
6 jam lalu
Find out the cheapest places to ski in Europe, where affordability meets all-level-friendly snow-covered slopes and breathtaking views.
Zelenskiy, in UAE, Discusses Bringing Back Ukrainians from Russia
8 jam lalu
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had discussed bringing back Ukrainians from Russian captivity with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Speaking in Israel, US Senator: Trump's Gaza Plan Lacks Senate Support
9 jam lalu
Senator Lindsey Graham stated there is little desire for the US to take over Gaza as proposed by Trump, 'in any way or form.'
What Are Ukraine's Rare Earths and Why Does Trump Want Them?
9 jam lalu
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is ready to make a deal with U.S. President Donald Trump to develop Ukraine's huge rare earth mineral deposits.
Trump Threatens to Send US Troops, Wants to Control 50 Percent of Ukraine's Minerals
9 jam lalu
Trump wants 50 percent of Ukraine's rare minerals to be controlled by the United States. He threatens to send troops to guard the minerals.
Trump's Immigration Policy Sparks Racism in U.S., Indonesian Citizen Says
9 jam lalu
An Indonesian citizen talks about the increasing racism in the U.S. after Donald Trump's policies. Asian immigrants are being targeted for violence.
