Europe at the "children's table" and talk of sending troops to Ukraine. What the media say
- Новости
- World
- Europe at the "children's table" and talk of sending troops to Ukraine. What the media say
On the eve of the meeting of the Russian and US delegations in Saudi Arabia, a summit with the participation of European leaders was held in Paris to discuss the conflict in Ukraine and an increase in defense spending. The meeting did not lead to concrete decisions, but the idea of sending a contingent of 30,000 military personnel to Ukraine was voiced. Europe's current situation is compared to a "children's table" at which it sits while Russia and the US negotiate. What the world media say about what is happening - in Izvestia's digest.
The New York Times: European leaders meet in Paris while the U.S. advances its plan for Ukraine
Talks with representatives of the new US administration have heightened fears that Washington may begin withdrawing thousands of US military personnel from Europe, leaving the continent vulnerable to Russia. The summit at the Elysee Palace was the first step toward forging a coordinated European response to the new American policy.
The New York Times
As he often does, [French President Emmanuel] Macron took advantage of a seeming vacuum in European leadership to convene this informal meeting to discuss a collective response to what many see as America's shift away from decades of responsibility for security in Europe to focus on Asia and domestic concerns.
European leaders discussed accelerating the buildup of European defense capabilities, as many now believe the United States will withdraw tens of thousands of U.S. troops from Europe. Only 23 of NATO's 32 members currently spend at least 2% of GDP on defense after all vowed to increase spending in 2014. NATO has made it clear that 2% should be "a floor, not a ceiling" and that more needs to be spent.
Bloomberg: Macron seeks to unite Ukraine and Europe with Trump
Macron held separate talks with U.S. leader Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (credentials expired May 20). This came during a hastily convened mini-summit in Paris with several European leaders to discuss Ukraine and possible ways to increase European defense spending.
Bloomberg
Macron said he would hold further discussions and work would continue "both to support Ukraine and to develop and invest in our defense." At the Munich Security Conference last week, U.S. officials said in strong terms that there is a limit to what Washington is willing to do militarily in Europe.
Zelensky said he discussed with Macron the situation in Europe and security guarantees for his country. Ukraine and European leaders are trying to squeeze themselves into the U.S.-Russia negotiation process, risking being sidelined without the ability to determine the continent's security balance for years to come. European officials and Kiev have said they want the allies to agree to security guarantees before negotiating with Russia.
The Washington Post: European peacekeeping plan includes 25,000 to 30,000 troops
The prospect of deploying troops to Ukraine has gained momentum among some European leaders in recent days as the Trump administration moves quickly to begin direct talks with Moscow. While Washington has ruled out the possibility of deploying U.S. troops, European officials say the Trump team has not ruled out the prospect of supporting European forces.
The Washington Post
The latest iteration under discussion envisions a "pacification" or "deterrence" force of several brigades, perhaps 25,000 to 30,000 troops, that would not be deployed along the contact line but would be ready to make a show of force if Russian forces tried to resume <military operation>. The troops could be supported by more forces outside Ukraine if they need to build up strength and move quickly.
France has done more military planning than others and has estimated it could commit about 10,000 troops, the two officials said, although other European allies remain more tight-lipped. Some countries are hesitant to commit troops or move forward until the United States provides more clarity on its intentions regarding Ukraine.
Financial Times: European countries have been left at the "children's table" in talks on Ukraine's future
Armin Papperger, chief executive of Rheinmetall, criticized Europe's position in the wake of the U.S.'s change of course on Ukraine and negotiations with Russia. He stated that Europe had itself to blame for being on the sidelines.
Financial Times
If you don't invest, if you are not strong, you are treated like children," he said. "Over the last 30 years, it's been very convenient for Europeans to say, 'OK, spend 1% [of GDP on defense], that's fine.' <...> If the parents have dinner, the children have to sit at another table. <...> The US is negotiating with Russia, and there is not a single European at the table - it has become very clear that Europeans are children."
Between 2021 and 2024, total defense spending by EU countries rose by more than 30 percent to an estimated €326 billion euros, about 1.9 percent of the bloc's GDP. Trump has put intense pressure on NATO members to increase their defense spending to as much as 5% of GDP.
The Guardian: Starmer called US support vital
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Trump to give US support to European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, saying it is the only way to deter Russia. The appeal came after an emergency summit in Paris.
The Guardian
Some leaders at the summit, especially German Chancellor Olaf Scholz <...>, wanted to block any discussion of a European force to help secure a ceasefire in Ukraine. But Starmer, after stating on Sunday that he was committed in principle to sending British troops, continued to press his case and went further, saying that sending such a force was only possible with U.S. support.
Starmer's remarks amount to a call for Trump to recognize that he cannot wash his hands of the U.S. over Ukraine without damaging European security. UK defense officials say that even if a 30,000-strong contingent of European forces were deployed far from the front lines as a means of providing security, they would need protection, including air cover and logistics, that only NATO and the United States can provide.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
