European leaders gathered at a summit in Paris to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and reaffirm their commitment to supporting the country amidst its challenges.
During the meeting, which included more than two dozen heads of state and government, a consensus was reached that now is “not the time” to lift sanctions against Russia, a position underscored by French President Emmanuel Macron. He stated that the leaders unanimously agreed that these sanctions would remain in place until a sustainable and clear peace is established in Ukraine.
The summit represented the third convening of a coalition referred to by France and the UK as the “coalition of the willing.” It was convened against a backdrop of heightened concerns regarding the potential implications of Donald Trump potentially rolling back some sanctions if an agreement for a partial ceasefire could be negotiated with Russia.
This uncertainty has sparked debates among European leaders, particularly around Franco-British plans to create a “reassurance force” aimed at guaranteeing any future ceasefire. Despite the leaders’ collective stance against easing sanctions, divisions persist on how best to implement measures that could bolster Ukraine’s stability and security in the face of ongoing hostilities.
