The move comes after a week of intense diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration towards Ukraine, which appeared to support Russia while distancing itself from many of its long-time European allies.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday stated that he is ready to send troops to Ukraine if that is necessary amid US's unclear stand in the situation. Meanhwile, French President Emmanuel Macron called leaders from key European Union nations and the United Kingdom to his ornate Elysee Palace on Monday for an emergency meeting on how to deal with the US who was once a dependable partner.
The move comes after a week of intense diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration towards Ukraine, which appeared to support Russia while distancing itself from many of its long-time European allies.
EU leaders ahead of Trump's reelection hoped for his support to strengthen its own defences and rely less on the US military.
However, a series of speeches by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during their first visits to Europe last week raised doubts about Europe's security and its democratic values.
French President Macron said their harsh criticism and threats of not cooperating in times of military danger were a shock to the system.
According to reports, the statement by Starmer read, "Any role in helping to guarantee Ukraine's security is helping to guarantee the security of our continent, and the security of this country."
"I do not say that lightly," Starmer added. He continued to say that he felt "very deeply the responsibility that comes with potentially putting British servicemen and women in harm's way".
He also said, "But any role in helping to guarantee Ukraine's security is helping to guarantee the security of our continent, and the security of this country."
He mentioned later that he would meet with US President Donald Trump "in the coming days".
Starmer emphasized that the United Kingdom plays an 'unique role" to strengthen the relationship and security cooperation between Europe and the US.
Speaking of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Starmer reportedly said, "US support will continue to be crucial, and a US security guarantee is necessary for lasting peace, as only the US can prevent Putin from launching another attack."
The meeting called by Macron will be held on Monday with the leaders of Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark and the European Union on how to deal with Europe's security matters.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is also expected to attend.
French officials told Associated Press that no firm decisions are expected to emerge beyond a show of unity of European leaders. A French Official was quoted by TOI saying, "Because of the acceleration of the Ukrainian issue, and as a result of what US leaders are saying, there is a need for Europeans to do more, better, and in a coherent way, for our collective security."
European nations are bent on boosting Ukraine where they can, and EU nations see eye to eye when it comes to upping defense spending. However, even if there is a general consensus to move beyond the goal of spending 2% of gross domestic product on defense, it is hardly clear how to get to 3%.
Some EU nations are insisting on an agreement on joint borrowing for massive defense projects, while others are insisting it is the task of the nations that lag in spending to get to the 2% threshold first. That issue is also set to be discussed at the meeting.
US President Donald Trump recently had a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war. On Sunday, he mentioned that he could meet Putin "very soon" and believes Russia wants to end the fighting.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has suggested that Ukraine may not join NATO or regain all of its lost territory. The new US administration has also signaled that Europe will no longer be its main security focus, as it shifts attention toward China.
Russia has called for talks in Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine and European security. Some European leaders worry this could lead to demands for NATO to reduce its presence in Eastern Europe.