Following the recent summit held in London aimed at the security of Ukraine, the European plan appears to be taking shape with emphasis on achieving peace. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday, March 2, 2025, the joint effort between Paris and London to develop a peace plan, which will involve collaboration with one or two additional nations before being presented to the United States.
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking to the French newspaper Le Figaro, hinted at the proposal for a one-month ceasefire. This ceasefire, as he suggested, would cover airspace, maritime routes, and energy infrastructure, signaling steps toward negotiating an eventual peace agreement.
Starmer has voiced his commitment to backing such peace negotiations with military force, having stated about two weeks prior, around February 18, 2025, his willingness to provide British troops for this effort. This avenue reflects the serious approach being taken by European leaders toward establishing stability amid the conflict.
Starmer elaborated on the need for what he described as a "coalition of the willing" to uphold this peace agreement. During his press briefing, he emphasized the importance of having more nations on board, hinting at getting military support from various countries. While the details are still being ironed out, initial reports indicate support from the Netherlands and Sweden, both of whom have shown willingness to contribute troops whenever required.
Macron was careful to clarify, though, his stance on troop deployment: only if there is evidence of a stable ceasefire will European soldiers be sent. This position indicates the need for groundwork to be laid before any military intervention takes place.
Opinions among European leaders continue to diverge. Following discussions at a summit in Paris, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez firmly opposed sending troops to Ukraine as long as hostilities continue. Sanchez asserted the need for diplomatic solutions over military involvement to facilitate lasting peace.
On the north, Denmark, represented by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, indicated some openness to troop deployment but emphasized the need for clarity on various matters before any commitment can be made.
Adding to the mix, the current acting Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, expressed irritation over the troop discussion, which he deemed premature. Friedrich Merz, who is poised to potentially lead Germany, echoed similar sentiments, reflecting skepticism about the proposed military intervention.
Poland continues to position itself as a strong supporter of Ukraine, but Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced Poland would not deploy its troops. Instead, Tusk has committed to providing logistical and political support for any nations opting to send military assistance.
On the other end of the spectrum, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed doubts over the effectiveness of establishing European peacekeeping troops during her interview on March 4, 2025, declaring she would not facilitate any troop deployments.
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico suggested there should be no involvement from the European Union concerning troop deployments, stating it is primarily the United Nations' domain to intervene.
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has taken to social media expressing disapproval of the continuous war effort, stating the European leadership’s decision to pursue military actions rather than peace initiatives is “bad, dangerous and a mistake.” This stance reflects Hungary's longstanding opposition to military assistance for Ukraine, with Orban sometimes obstructing these efforts at the EU level.
Looking forward, the upcoming EU summit scheduled for March 6, 2025, may address the persistent challenges as outlined by Orban, who signaled there would be new blockades influencing discussions with Council President Antonio Costa.
This diplomatic situation continues to develop as nations contemplate their roles and responsibilities amid the Eastern European conflict. With cooperation being emphasized by some nations and resistance from others, the path toward peace remains precarious, underscoring the urgency for clear international collaboration.