European Security
What are the differing European positions on Ukraine's security at the Paris emergency meeting?
At the Paris emergency meeting, European nations demonstrated divided approaches to Ukraine's security strategy. France and Britain advocated strongly for including security guarantees for Ukraine in any potential peace deal, emphasizing the importance of protecting Ukraine's sovereignty in future negotiations. In contrast, Germany took a more cautious stance by explicitly rejecting suggestions of deploying peacekeeping troops to the region. This split highlights the complexity of coordinating a unified European response to the ongoing conflict, with nations balancing security concerns against the risks of deeper military involvement.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)
WION
01:32 - 01:45
What does UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer believe is essential for a lasting peace agreement in Ukraine?
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that US security guarantees are crucial for establishing a lasting peace in Ukraine. While indicating his readiness to consider committing British forces alongside others if a peace agreement is reached, Starmer insisted that Washington's involvement is non-negotiable. He specifically stated that a US security guarantee is the only effective way to deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again in the future. This position aligns with broader European concerns about avoiding a repeat of the failed 2014-2015 Minsk agreements, which did not resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Watch clip answer (00:46m)
WION
00:49 - 01:36
What high-level diplomatic meetings are taking place regarding Ukraine and Russia?
Two significant diplomatic engagements are occurring simultaneously: European leaders are meeting in Paris to discuss security challenges for Ukraine, with divisions apparent as France and the UK push for stronger security guarantees while Germany opposes peacekeeping troops deployment. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are scheduled to meet with a Russian delegation including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Riyadh. This meeting is preparation for a future summit between Trump and Putin in the Saudi capital, raising implications for Europe's role in future Ukraine peace negotiations.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)WION
02:51 - 03:08
What is German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's position on deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine?
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz firmly believes that debates about sending peacekeepers to Ukraine are completely premature and highly inappropriate while the war is still ongoing. He emphasized that such discussions are happening at the wrong time and on the wrong topic, as there is no peace yet to keep. Scholz highlighted that Russia's brutal war against Ukraine continues, making peacekeeping discussions counterproductive before establishing a peace agreement. His position reflects a pragmatic approach that prioritizes addressing the current conflict situation before planning post-conflict peacekeeping operations.
Watch clip answer (00:36m)WION
02:15 - 02:51
What are the main divisions among European leaders regarding Ukraine's security?
European leaders show clear divisions in their emergency Paris meeting. France and Britain advocated for security guarantees for Ukraine, while Germany firmly rejected suggestions of deploying peacekeeping troops in the region. This discord emerged as leaders weighed measures to increase defense spending and reduce dependence on the US. The meeting revealed European concerns that they might be excluded from peace negotiations between Russia and the US, fears heightened after a rare diplomatic meeting in Saudi Arabia where Europe wasn't invited. President Macron called this last-minute gathering at the Élysée Palace amid worries that a potential Trump administration could sideline Europe in future Ukraine-Russia peace talks.
Watch clip answer (00:49m)WION
00:00 - 00:49
How much of Ukraine does Russia currently occupy after three years of invasion?
Three years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia now occupies approximately 20% of the country. This significant territorial control highlights the substantial impact of the ongoing conflict that began with the full-scale invasion three years ago. The occupation reflects the geopolitical reality faced by Ukrainians as they continue to deal with the consequences of this prolonged conflict. This territorial loss represents not just land, but homes, communities, and livelihoods affected by the Russian military presence.
Watch clip answer (00:07m)
Al Jazeera English
00:01 - 00:09