European leaders reject sanctions relief for Russia at Ukraine summit
At a summit in Paris on Thursday, European leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. They accused Russia of not negotiating in good faith and agreed not to lift sanctions, but the idea of European soldiers in Ukraine continues to divide member states.
More than 30 European leaders visited the Élysée Palace for the third summit on Ukraine. The event was organised by French president Emmanuel Macron, who with British prime minister Keir Starmer is assembling a "coalition of the willing" to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression.
No easing of sanctions
The leaders agreed unanimously that sanctions against Russia should remain in place. Russia has made the easing of sanctions one of its conditions for accepting a temporary ceasefire in the Black Sea proposed by the administration of US president Donald Trump. "On the contrary, we discussed how we can further strengthen the sanctions," said Starmer.
European leaders also believe that Russian president Vladimir Putin is not negotiating in good faith.
"We do not believe that Russia's words are sincere or that they will stick to agreements," said Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever, who also attended the summit. "We hope that the United States will soon come to the same conclusion."
"We do not believe that Russia's words are sincere or that they will stick to agreements"
During the summit, France and the UK reiterated their goal of sending a "reassurance force" to Ukraine to provide long-term support and act as a deterrent against potential Russian aggression. The chiefs of staff of the French and British armies will travel to Ukraine in the coming days to assess its military needs, Macron announced.
He said he wanted to have a "fairly precise plan of action" within three to four weeks and hoped the US would provide some kind of support, but added that he was prepared for a scenario without US involvement.
The continent remains divided over the idea. Several countries, including Italy and Poland, have said they do not want to send troops to Ukraine, while many details remain unknown.
After the summit, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said he regretted that there were "many questions" and "few answers" about the force.
© PHOTO LUDOVIC MARIN / POOL / AFP
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