Leaders from key European powers gathered in France on February 17 to plot a common strategy after US President Donald Trump surprised allies by launching his own efforts with Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine.
 |
| European security is at a turning point, requiring urgent thinking and immediate reinforcement of defences. (Source: Getty Images) |
According to AFP news agency, speaking upon arriving in Paris (France) to attend the emergency summit on Ukraine, President of the European Commission (EC) Ursula von der Leyen commented: "European security is at a turning point. We need an urgent mindset and increased defense... right now."
European Council President Antonio Costa said the conference was "the start of a process that will continue with the participation of all partners committed to peace and security in Europe".
"The European Union (EU) and its member states will play a central role in this process," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called on European leaders to “immediately” strengthen their defense capabilities, warning that the “old continent” is losing ground to Russia.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk affirmed that Warsaw will not send troops to Ukraine, but will continue to provide financial and military aid to Kiev.
“We cannot effectively support Ukraine without immediately implementing practical measures regarding our own defense capabilities,” he stressed, urging Europe to “quickly catch up” with Russia’s military potential.
The emergency conference in Paris was held after US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin about the possibility of peace talks without the participation of Ukraine and European allies.
The conference was chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron, with the participation of leaders of 7 other European countries (including the UK, Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark) along with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council Antonio Costa and Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Mark Rutte.
The conference took place at the same time as a meeting of Russian and US foreign ministers in Saudi Arabia to discuss restoring bilateral relations, the conflict in Ukraine and European security in general.
A delegation of senior EU officials is scheduled to visit Ukraine next week on the third anniversary of the outbreak of conflict in the country, to show Europe's support for the Kiev government.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/cac-lanh-dao-chau-au-khan-cap-hop-mat-luc-dia-gia-soi-suc-giu-luc-nga-my-noi-chuyen-rieng-hieu-trieu-su-doan-ket-truoc-buoc-ngoat-304682.html
Comment (0)