Emmanuel Macron is set to host a summit of European leaders on Thursday, March 27, to discuss Ukraine’s defense and Europe’s security, according to sources close to the matter. The French president confirmed the meeting as he left the European Council on Thursday, noting that Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be present.
Macron stated that the summit would finalize short-term support for Ukraine’s military, focus on creating a sustainable defense model, and address security guarantees that European armies can offer to protect against Russian threats.
This summit follows Macron’s previous talks in February and March with European and NATO leaders on defense guarantees for both Ukraine and Europe. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also confirmed that a “broader circle” of leaders would attend, mentioning that countries from a prior meeting in London, including those who joined virtually, would likely be present. He himself had been verbally invited.
This meeting comes at a critical time when European leaders are working to bolster the EU’s defense capabilities amidst escalating threats from Russia and shifting U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump. It also highlights a growing commitment from a “coalition of the willing,” which includes a number of EU nations, and possibly Canada and Turkey, to support Ukraine.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials are set to meet with representatives from Moscow and Kyiv in Saudi Arabia on Monday to discuss a possible ceasefire.
