France's President Emmanuel Macron hosted a meeting in Paris on Tuesday with military chiefs from 30 countries in Europe and members of the NATO military alliance but without the participation of the United States.
Discussion was focused on security guarantees for Ukraine in the case of a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. With the conflict in its fourth year, European nations are reassessing their security strategies.
The meeting in Paris followed a major shift in US policy, when President Donald Trump suspended military aid and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv, a situation he has since reversed. The initial decision raised concerns across Europe and prompted calls for greater military independence.
Trump has also reinitiated talks with Russia's President Vladimir Putin and criticized Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, sparking fears the US may pressure Ukraine into a settlement that favors Moscow.
'Coalition of the willing'
Macron and United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer are leading efforts to form a "coalition of the willing" to enforce any ceasefire in Ukraine. Macron reiterated that European troops would only be deployed once a peace deal was signed, to ensure it was fully respected.
Macron has long promoted a stronger, independent European defense strategy.
Speaking recently, he said Europe must be ready to act alone, if necessary.
"This is the moment when Europe must throw its full weight behind Ukraine, and itself," he told the gathering, according to his office.
The European Union has also pledged to increase defense spending. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed an 800-billion-euro ($873-billion) fund, including 150 billion euros in loans, for joint procurement of European defense equipment. Macron has also extended France's nuclear deterrence offer to other European nations, with a target of finalizing agreements by mid-2025.
France's Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu clarified that the meeting's aim was to plan for Ukraine's future military needs.
"It is simply a question of looking ahead and thinking about what the Ukrainian army should be in the future," he stated. "We will reject any form of demilitarization of Ukraine."
In separate negotiations held in Saudi Arabia with US officials, Ukraine proposed an aerial and naval ceasefire with Russia. While some view this as a step forward, analysts remain uncertain about its success. Ukraine's military remains the largest in Europe, with more than 800,000 troops, but the loss of US support forced European leaders to seek alternative strategies.
Turkiye, NATO's second-largest military force after the US, is positioning itself as a key player in regional security. Turkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has backed Zelensky's call for an aerial and naval truce.
Challenges ahead
Military experts have highlighted the challenges Europe faces in securing its defenses without US support. Speaking on France's Public Senat TV on Feb 12, General Olivier Kempf, director and researcher at analysis publication La Vigie stated: "Defending Europe without American support is difficult. It would require a shift in mindset, a strategic effort, and significant military investment, which could take a decade."
Kempf also pointed out that "for 70 years, except for France, Europeans have relied on American security guarantees. Now they realize they may need a Plan B."
He remained skeptical about Russia accepting Ukraine's truce proposal, suggesting that while it is a step forward, much work remains.
French historian and political scientist Nicole Bacharan, speaking on television channel France 5 on Feb 11, remarked: "There are no negotiations on Moscow's side because, in a way, time and the White House are working in their favor. The Russians have understood that Trump is determined to withdraw from this conflict at any cost."
Retired French Air Force general and former NATO supreme allied commander Jean-Paul Palomeros, also speaking on France 5 on Feb 11, expressed concern about European readiness.
"There is a deep awareness, including among young people, who say: 'If necessary, we will go to fight.' For what? For freedom. But we will do everything to avoid war. The 100-billion-euro investment is to ensure peace."
Following the discussions, European defense ministers and NATO officials, including Ukraine's defense minister, will continue talks on military support and European rearmament. Macron has also scheduled a meeting with French defense manufacturers, to discuss accelerating weapons production.
The broader aim is to prepare Europe for a future in which it can defend itself without relying entirely on the US.
The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.
