The recent intensification of diplomatic efforts regarding Ukraine indicates that Europe must enhance its contributions and improve its approach, according to a French presidency official prior to informal discussions among several prominent European leaders in Paris on Monday.

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump surprised NATO allies and Ukraine by revealing that he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin without prior consultation and intended to initiate a peace process.

Further unsettling European nations, Trump’s envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, stated on Saturday that Europe would not be included in the peace negotiations, despite Washington reaching out to European capitals with a questionnaire regarding their potential contributions to security guarantees for Kyiv. This six-point questionnaire, which was reviewed by Reuters on Sunday, also inquired what European allies would require from the U.S. to engage in security arrangements for Ukraine.

The official remarked, “Given the urgency surrounding the Ukrainian situation and the statements from American leaders, it is essential for Europeans to step up their efforts in a more effective and unified manner to ensure our collective security.”

Numerous summits have highlighted the European Union’s struggles, revealing a lack of unity and a coherent strategy to address the ongoing war in Ukraine and respond to Russia, now three years into its invasion. Leaders from Germany, Italy, Britain, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark, representing Baltic and Scandinavian nations, were expected to participate, alongside EU leadership and the NATO Secretary General.

The official noted, “These initiatives present an opportunity to potentially expedite the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine, but we must still reach an agreement on the conditions necessary for achieving peace.”

The conversation, he noted, would focus on “the security assurances that can be provided by both Europeans and Americans, either collectively or individually.” Certain nations expressed dissatisfaction that the gathering was limited to a select group of leaders rather than being a comprehensive EU summit, according to EU officials.

A representative from the French presidency indicated that the meeting would pave the way for further discussions in Brussels and at NATO. “Everyone should have the opportunity to engage in the dialogue,” he stated.