European Leaders Seek Control Over Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Global Power Struggle

 

European leaders are set to meet in Brussels on Thursday for a critical summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as they attempt to take charge of peace negotiations in the ongoing war with Russia. The meeting comes amid growing concerns that outside forces, particularly the United States and Russia, could dictate the terms of any ceasefire.

European Autonomy in a Changing Landscape

French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged a shifting global dynamic in a televised address on Wednesday, pointing to the changing stance of U.S. President Donald Trump toward Moscow.

“The United States, our ally, has changed its position on this war, is less supportive of Ukraine, and is casting doubt on what will happen next,” Macron warned, emphasizing the need for Europe to chart its own course.

Thursday’s summit follows a weekend meeting in London, where UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer led discussions on a European-driven peace proposal. The strategy aims to present a ceasefire plan to Washington, potentially preventing tensions between Trump and Zelensky from derailing diplomatic efforts.

Zelensky confirmed progress on social media, stating, “We are preparing a plan for the first steps to bring about a just and sustainable peace. We are working on it quickly. It will be ready soon.”

Russian Attacks Continue as Talks Progress

Even as diplomatic efforts gain momentum, Russia continues its assault on Ukraine. Just hours before the Brussels summit, a Russian missile strike targeted a hotel in Kryvyi Rih, Zelensky’s hometown, killing four people and injuring many more, including foreign nationals.

This backdrop of ongoing violence adds urgency to discussions about a potential ceasefire and the mechanisms required to uphold it.

Divisions Within Europe

Unlike previous meetings involving a select group of European nations, Thursday’s summit includes all 27 EU member states—some of whom remain hesitant to fully support Ukraine.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, for instance, has repeatedly resisted military aid for Kyiv. In a social media post following Trump’s recent clash with Zelensky, Orbán echoed Trump’s rhetoric, stating, “Strong men make peace, weak men make war.”

Burden-Sharing and European Defense

A senior EU diplomat indicated that discussions on financial and military contributions will be a central issue. Some European nations have fallen short in providing their “fair share” of aid to Ukraine and have also failed to meet NATO’s defense spending benchmark of 2% of GDP.

In response to these concerns, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a plan to rearm Europe, mobilizing up to €800 billion ($862 billion) in funding. “We are in an era of rearmament,” she stated, emphasizing that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security.

Peacekeeping and Security Challenges

One of the key topics on the agenda is the formation of a peacekeeping force to oversee a potential ceasefire. This idea, initially floated just two weeks ago, has rapidly evolved into a likely condition for any peace agreement.

A European official involved in negotiations suggested that the bulk of the force would come from the United Kingdom, France, and Turkey. However, Eastern European nations bordering Russia, particularly Poland, are wary of contributing troops, fearing it could weaken their own defenses.

“European NATO has about 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) of eastern border, so you don’t want to empty the eastern border,” the official explained. Countries like Finland and Poland, already on the frontlines, are expected to keep their forces at home.

Timeline for Ceasefire and Challenges Ahead

Negotiators are discussing a phased approach to de-escalation, including prisoner swaps and temporary ceasefires. However, officials caution that achieving a comprehensive ceasefire by Easter is unrealistic.

Zelensky arrives in Brussels following warm receptions in London and Paris, but the atmosphere at this summit is expected to be more complex. Some leaders remain uncertain about how far they are willing to go in supporting Ukraine’s war effort.

As Europe grapples with internal divisions, Russian aggression, and shifting U.S. policy, the outcome of this summit could prove pivotal in shaping the continent’s role in the Ukraine conflict.