Europe is prioritizing an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine over any discussions of deploying troops, according to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Speaking in Rome, Merz emphasized that peace talks and future security guarantees for Ukraine must first be clarified, stating, “We are far from discussing troop deployments. Right now, our focus is on stopping the killing and securing peace.”
The comments follow a high-level meeting on the sidelines of a summit in Albania involving leaders from France, Germany, the UK, and Poland, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The group also held a call with U.S. President Donald Trump, who is expected to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon.
Meloni, notably absent from the meeting, addressed speculation of being excluded by French President Emmanuel Macron. She reiterated Italy’s commitment to joining any international initiative aimed at ending the war, stressing the need for Western unity, which she described as “our greatest strength since Russia’s invasion.”
The European Union is currently drafting a new sanctions package against Moscow, following the recent face-to-face talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul—the first in three years. While Russia agreed to maintain contact, no ceasefire was reached. Merz expressed disappointment, stating the outcome was "below expectations" despite Ukraine's constructive efforts.
The position against sending NATO troops into Ukraine remains consistent. Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a similar stance, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated support for peacekeeping forces only with a firm U.S. security commitment. Russia, meanwhile, continues to oppose any NATO military presence in Ukraine.
The EU and its allies are united in pushing diplomatic efforts to end the war while avoiding escalations that could lead to direct military involvement.