The discussions will focus on how to strengthen Ukraine militarily to deter future attacks, and how to monitor limited ceasefires over sea targets and energy infrastructure as discussed at US-led talks this week in Saudi Arabia.
Washington said on Tuesday it had signed separate agreements with Moscow and Kyiv for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, but Russia presented conditions. They included a demand that sanctions be lifted on Russian state agricultural lender Rosselkhozbank and that it be reconnected to the international payment system SWIFT.
The European Union, which ejected Rosselkhozbank from SWIFT, said on Wednesday it can be reinstated only when Russia withdraws its troops from Ukraine.
REASSURANCE FORCE
European efforts, led by Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to create security arrangements for Ukraine are shifting from sending troops to considering alternatives as they face political and logistical constraints, and the prospect of Russia and the United States opposing their plans, officials have told Reuters.
“The Prime Minister will underline that all must come together to support Ukraine to remain in the fight and back US efforts to make real progress despite continued Russian obfuscation,” Starmer’s office said in a statement.
Planning so far has looked at European military capabilities including aircraft, tanks, troops, intelligence and logistics. Discussions have centred on what European nations can contribute to support any future force, it said.
An outline document for Thursday’s summit seen by Reuters refers to a possible future “reassurance force” that would have the support of the United States.
Such a force positioned in Ukraine would aim to offer security guarantees and deter future aggression from Russia, although there are few signs at this stage that the United States would offer its backing.
