**Can European Leaders Convince Trump of Their Importance for Ukraine?**

**European leaders prepare to address the unresolved issues of Ukraine's future at a Paris summit, while attempting to gain recognition from the Trump administration.**

In a rapidly evolving geopolitical climate, European leaders are grappling with the implications of not being included in U.S. discussions regarding Ukraine. The urgent security summit led by French President Emmanuel Macron is a testament to Europe's concerns about its relevance as U.S. President Donald Trump publicly contemplates meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The gathering brings together key military powers: the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark, with the aim of forging a united European front on defense spending and troop deployments to Ukraine in a collective effort to ensure a place in future negotiations. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed readiness to deploy troops, a sentiment echoed in Germany amidst its tense electoral climate.

Despite the urgency, the Trump administration's indecisiveness on Ukraine has created a narrow window for Europe to assert its partnership role. European leaders plan to address Trump's demands for increased defense expenditures and military commitments, while insisting on Ukraine's inclusion in any talks about its future.

Historically, Europe has depended heavily on U.S. security assistance since World War II, and the recent turn of events has heightened unease about the long-term implications for its defense strategy, especially given Russia's antagonism towards NATO's expansion eastward. The once unwavering confidence in American support is now met with skepticism regarding a new security architecture in Europe.

The summit will not be all-inclusive, limiting attendance to nations with substantial military capabilities, while other nations will have subsequent discussions to address their perspectives. While the leaders strive to enhance coordination and bolster NATO's collective defense, the question of funding increases looms, and consensus may prove challenging, especially as countries like Poland pledge significant defense budgets, while the UK wrestles to meet its own targets.

A significant part of the agenda revolves around the proposed deployment of troops to Ukraine post-ceasefire, characterized as a "reassurance force." This suggestion has sparked controversy domestically, as many citizens in nations like Italy express hesitance about sending military support abroad.

Important questions remain: What would be the troop commitments? What command structure would govern them? Would European troops be drawn directly into conflict should Russia violate ceasefire terms? A prior safety guarantee from the U.S. will be essential for European countries before proceeding with troop deployment, yet such reassurance may not be forthcoming.

In addition to these international discussions, leaders face domestic pressures on defense budgets and military capacities. Former British Army chief Richard Dannatt has warned of significant troop shortages in the UK, complicating any commitments made in Paris.

As leaders head to Paris, there's a sense of urgency in engaging with the U.S. and persuading the Trump administration to recognize their pivotal role in Ukraine's future. The hope is to elevate European relations with Washington and to frame a narrative that asserts their reliability as defense partners—not just for Ukraine, but for global security.

The summit's outcomes may influence how Europe navigates the changing dynamics of security and its partnership with the U.S., particularly in the context of Brexit-related tensions and ongoing international commitments. The discussions in Paris symbolize an attempt to re-establish ties, raise defense capabilities, and prepare for potential negotiations in an increasingly fragmented security landscape.