European leaders meet in Paris to discuss defense as US and Russia prepare for talks on Ukraine

European leaders, led by French President Emmanuel Macron, will meet in Paris on February 17 to discuss European defense. This meeting comes as the U.S. and Russia prepare for talks in Saudi Arabia about ending the Ukraine war, without European involvement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed surprise at the Saudi talks, stating he would not negotiate without security guarantees from Western nations. The absence of Ukraine and Europe from these discussions raises concerns about their influence on the outcome. The Paris meeting aims to strengthen European defense and explore potential military support for Ukraine. However, there is hesitance among some European nations regarding troop deployment and military aid, reflecting differing views on involvement in the conflict.