Costa proposes EU-led four-way summit regarding the conflict in Ukraine
The recent extraordinary meeting of the European Council, attended by 30 countries, mostly European, has emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to ensuring peace and security in Ukraine. The meeting, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, was held following a series of meetings in Washington, including one between multiple world leaders, including Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.
The discussions revolved around the proposed quadrilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine, the United States, and the European Union (or Europe more broadly). This idea was highlighted by French President Macron, who advocates for Europe's formal inclusion in peace negotiations for security guarantees in Ukraine and the broader European continent.
The main parties involved are Russia (represented by President Vladimir Putin), Ukraine (represented by President Volodymyr Zelensky), the United States (represented by former President Donald Trump, who has been involved in facilitating talks), and Europe (represented by key leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and other European heads of state, including Giorgia Meloni, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen).
The talks follow a meeting in Washington on August 18, 2025, and envision a sequence of meetings: first, a bilateral Putin-Zelensky talk; then a trilateral Russia-USA-Ukraine summit; followed by the quadrilateral one including Europe and potentially Turkey, as the conflict affects their security.
The European Council President, António Costa, has proposed these talks, emphasizing that lasting peace in Ukraine requires security assurances not just for Ukraine but for Europe as a whole. Costa clarified that Europe and the United States' action will always be one of support and assistance, but did not mention sending foreign troops to Ukraine.
In addition to strengthening Ukraine's Armed Forces, the statement read at the end of the European Council meeting also reiterated the need for Russia to end the violence immediately. The proposed talks are part of Europe’s bid to assert a central role in the peace process, moving beyond a US-centred approach to Ukrainian security.
However, the negotiations are not without challenges. Russia has so far rejected some peace proposals, demanding territorial concessions from Ukraine, legal neutrality guarantees, and sanctions relief. Despite these hurdles, the proposed quadrilateral talks are seen as a necessary step toward a comprehensive peace framework that ensures the security of Ukraine and Europe.
References:
- The Guardian
- BBC News
- Reuters
- CNN
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