Defence ministers from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland gathered in Paris on Wednesday to discuss ways to strengthen European defence and provide security guarantees for Ukraine. This meeting comes as the US rethinks its relationship with Russia.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov was invited to the meeting, where the first session focused on military aid for Ukraine. The second session discussed ways to improve Europe’s defence capabilities.

Britain’s Defence Secretary, John Healey, emphasized Europe’s commitment, saying, “European nations are stepping up. By working together, increasing defence spending, and strengthening our forces, we show that we stand firmly with Ukraine.”

France and Britain, Europe’s nuclear powers, have been working closely in recent weeks to rally support for Ukraine. With uncertainty over US policy, European leaders are pushing forward with defence cooperation.

The meeting took place at Val-de-Grâce, a former military hospital in Paris, and was attended by officials from the European Union and NATO.

A day earlier, 34 army chiefs from NATO countries, Japan, and Australia met in Paris without US representatives. Their discussions focused on military aid to Ukraine and potential security guarantees, including the idea of sending European peacekeepers.

US President Donald Trump’s efforts to improve ties with Russia and quickly end the Ukraine war have changed Western defence strategies. In response, European countries are reinforcing their commitment to Ukraine and increasing their military capabilities.

This meeting highlights Europe’s growing role in security matters as the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve.