Twelve European defence ministers will meet via videoconference on Monday to discuss a coordinated response to the United States and Russia’s diplomatic initiatives regarding Ukraine and broader security concerns, the French Ministry of Defence announced.
The high-level discussions, initiated by Estonia and France, come as Europe seeks to solidify its position amid evolving geopolitical shifts.
The meeting, scheduled for the afternoon, will bring together defence ministers from Lithuania, Latvia, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom.
French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu is set to join his Estonian counterpart, Hanno Pevkur, in Tallinn for the meeting and to participate in Estonia’s national holiday celebrations.
France currently has around 350 soldiers stationed in Estonia as part of NATO’s multinational battalion, underscoring its commitment to Baltic security.
This gathering marks a significant moment, coinciding with the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The meeting follows an announcement by former US President Donald Trump that the United States will initiate bilateral negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, initially excluding European nations and Kyiv from the process.
The prospect of US-Russia talks without European involvement has raised concerns across the continent, prompting EU and NATO leaders to reassess their strategy.
Last week, an emergency summit convened in Paris, led by French President Emmanuel Macron, to address the situation.
European leaders agreed on the necessity of a “sustainable peace agreement based on security guarantees” for Ukraine and reiterated their willingness to increase defence spending. However, several EU member states remain cautious about deploying troops to Ukraine as part of any peacekeeping effort.
The Tallinn meeting is expected to further define Europe’s response to the ongoing conflict and the broader security challenges posed by Russia’s actions.
It also aims to reinforce the unity of European nations in ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty while navigating the complex geopolitical landscape.
France and Estonia’s initiative to convene this meeting highlights growing concerns within Europe over strategic autonomy and the role of EU states in shaping the future of the conflict.
Analysts suggest that European leaders are seeking to assert their influence amid fears that US-led negotiations could sideline Europe’s interests.
“The exclusion of European and Ukrainian representatives from initial peace discussions would be a significant diplomatic setback,” a senior EU official told reporters ahead of the meeting. “It is critical that Europe remains at the forefront of security discussions that impact the continent.”
While the meeting will primarily focus on crafting a unified stance, it also serves as a signal to Washington and Moscow that Europe remains actively engaged in seeking a resolution to the war.
Defence ministers are likely to discuss potential increased military support for Ukraine, economic measures to counter Russian aggression, and possible contingency plans in the event of shifting US policy priorities.
As tensions persist and diplomatic efforts unfold, Monday’s videoconference will be a key moment for Europe’s strategic decision-making, setting the stage for further action in the coming months.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
