Emmanuel Macron briefs EU leaders on meeting with Donald Trump

A United Europe Prepares for Ukraine Support Amid Global Tensions

On Wednesday, European Union leaders convened a video conference to discuss the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the bloc’s collective response. The meeting was called by António Costa, President of the European Council, as a precursor to an emergency summit scheduled for March 6. The video call lasted approximately 30 minutes and included the participation of all 27 EU leaders, as well as Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Costa described the meeting as “very useful” for preparing the groundwork for the upcoming summit, where decisions on military and financial support for Ukraine, as well as strengthening European defense, are expected to be made. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “To achieve peace through strength, we must act together.”

Diverging Views on Ukraine: Macron and Trump’s Washington Meeting

A key focus of the video conference was a briefing by French President Emmanuel Macron on his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to bringing peace to Ukraine, but significant disagreements emerged on the approach to achieving this goal. Trump reiterated his ambition to end Russia’s war “within weeks,” while Macron cautioned against rushing into a ceasefire, warning that such a move could be exploited by the Kremlin. Macron referenced the failed Minsk agreements, which were intended to end the conflict in Donbas but were not respected. During their meeting, Macron also corrected Trump’s claim that Ukraine would repay the aid donated by the EU, emphasizing that the assistance provided was “real money.”

Europe’s Growing Role in Ukraine’s Defense

The European Union is actively working on establishing a new common fund to provide lethal and non-lethal aid to Ukraine. This initiative aims to strengthen Ukraine’s position ahead of potential negotiations with Russia and demonstrate Europe’s readiness to take on a greater share of military and financial assistance for Kyiv. The exact value of the fund is expected to be finalized during the March 6 summit. Data from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy reveals that Europe has already contributed significantly more than the United States to Ukraine’s support, with the EU providing €132 billion compared to the U.S.’s €114 billion. This undermines Trump’s frequent claim that the U.S. has contributed $350 billion (€333 billion) to Ukraine’s cause. However, Hungary’s alignment with Trump’s stance risks disrupting the unanimity required to approve the fund.

Challenges in Unity: Hungary’s Position and EU Defense Spending

Despite the collective effort, Hungary’s pro-Trump position presents a potential obstacle to achieving consensus on the common fund. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government has urged Brussels to avoid initiatives that could undermine U.S.-Russia talks. In an effort to address these concerns, Costa traveled to Budapest on February 28 to meet with Orbán. Parallel to the fund, the European Commission is also preparing a proposal to significantly increase defense spending across EU member states—a request from Washington. Von der Leyen has indicated that the plan will include a component of common EU funding, though it may not involve joint debt. The proposal is expected to be presented during the March 6 summit.

Diplomatic Hurdles and Trump’s Influence on Ukraine

The video conference took place amid heightened diplomatic activity, triggered by Trump’s surprise phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12. The call, which occurred without prior consultation with Western allies, has raised concerns among EU leaders about the potential for a one-sided peace process that could disadvantage Ukraine. Tensions further escalated after Trump referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “dictator without elections” and echoed Kremlin talking points, blaming Ukraine for the invasion. However, some easing of tensions occurred on February 28, when Ukrainian officials signaled their willingness to sign a minerals deal with the U.S. after securing concessions from the White House. In response, Trump suggested that Ukraine would continue to receive weaponry “for a while,” possibly until a deal with Russia is reached.

Uncertainty and the Future of the International Order

Despite these developments, anxiety remains high across Europe. Following the video conference, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed his concerns with a cryptic message: “Uncertainty, unpredictability, deals. Are these really the rules that the new international order should be based on?” His words reflect the broader unease among EU leaders about the unpredictable nature of global diplomacy and the potential consequences for Ukraine’s sovereignty and European security. As the March 6 summit approaches, the EU is under increasing pressure to present a united front and reaffirm its commitment to Ukraine’s stability, even as it navigates the challenges posed by divergent views both within and outside the bloc.