Scholz urges US and European unity on Ukraine at Paris summit

European leaders met in Paris to discuss security and support for Ukraine amid a shift in U.S. policy towards bilateral talks with Russia. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the need for unity between Europe and the U.S. on security matters. Scholz stated that Ukraine must not accept a "dictated peace" and should have a clear path to EU membership. Discussions about sending peacekeeping troops were deemed premature by several leaders, including Scholz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to lead talks with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, raising concerns among European allies about being sidelined in negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed that Ukraine cannot accept agreements made without its involvement.