Europe Weighs Peacekeeping Role in Ukraine Amid Trumps Embrace of Russia

With anger in Europe mounting over President Trump’s perceived abandonment of the continent, President Emmanuel Macron of France gathered the chiefs of staff of more than 30 armed forces on Tuesday to review the formation of a multinational peacekeeping force to monitor any cease-fire in Ukraine.The countries represented at the meeting, convened in partnership with Britain, were mainly European but included Japan, Canada, Turkey and New Zealand.The broad attendance reflected a widespread dismay at Mr.

Trump’s “pause” in American military aid to Ukraine and his embrace of the views of President Vladimir V.Putin of Russia.“I think the moment is important and your presence here sends out a real signal,” Gen.

Thierry Burkhard, France’s military chief of staff, told the gathered officials at the start of the meeting, according to footage released by the French military.There is near unanimity in Europe that Ukraine is its front line against Moscow and that the defense of Ukraine equals the defense of the continent.There has been a sea change.

A Europe that was long content to enjoy a post-Cold War peace dividend is now in a bristling mood of rearmament.“Whatever it takes” were the words this month of Germany’s incoming Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, to describe “the rule for our defense,” given the change in American strategy.It was a powerful declaration of emancipation for a German Republic effectively created and shaped by the United States after World War II.“Who can believe that the Russia of today will stop at Ukraine?” Mr.

Macron asked in a speech to the nation last week.“As I speak, and for years to come, Russia has become a threat to France and to Europe.”We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for ...