Monday Briefing

Left out of Ukraine talks, European leaders regroup

As American officials prepare for talks with Russia this week about ending the war in Ukraine, European leaders will convene their own emergency meeting today in Paris. They hope to coordinate a response to President Trump’s opening of negotiations with Moscow, which have no apparent role for Europe — or for Ukraine itself.

On the eve of the Paris talks, Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered British troops to help secure Ukraine’s long-term security, citing a need to deter President Vladimir Putin of Russia. European officials fear Trump is on his way to reaching a deal that could put Russia in a position to own a fifth of Ukraine, and to take the rest within a few years. They believe Putin’s ultimate goal is to break up the NATO alliance.

Security: Recent remarks by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have fueled concerns that the U.S. will move away from Europe and align with Moscow. Analysts say that would give Putin a previously unthinkable victory, far greater than any objectives he has in Ukraine.

No deal: President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated over the weekend that Ukraine would “never” accept a peace deal struck by the U.S. and Russia unless Kyiv had a seat at the table. Zelensky also rejected a proposal from Trump that Ukraine sign over half its mineral resources in exchange for U.S. support.