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Today, on 12 March 2025, Europe is closely watching the events unfolding on its eastern borders, where Ukraine remains in the focus of international attention. The war, which has been going on for more than three years, has forced European leaders not only to rethink their own security strategy, but also to actively seek new approaches to supporting Kyiv. At this crucial moment, when the world is balancing the desire for peace with the need to deter aggression, the latest meeting between Ukraine and the United States, held on 11 March in Saudi Arabia, was a ray of hope for many in Europe.
Meeting in Jeddah: A step towards peace or a tactical pause?
The talks in Jeddah between the Ukrainian delegation, headed by key figures such as Andriy Yermak and Andriy Sybiga, and US representatives, including Secretary of State Mark Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Volz, attracted worldwide attention. According to sources, Ukraine proposed a partial ceasefire, which would have meant no long-range strikes and no fighting in the Black Sea. In return, Kyiv hoped to persuade the Donald Trump administration to resume intelligence sharing and arms sales, which were frozen after tense talks at the White House on 28 February.
This meeting was a test of strength for both sides. Despite the difficult situation at the front and internal challenges, Ukraine demonstrated its willingness to compromise in order to maintain Western support. The United States, for its part, sought to find out how much Kyiv was willing to make concessions to Russia in order to conclude a peace deal. According to the Financial Times, Trump has privately insisted on changing Zelenskyy’s position on negotiations with Moscow, including considering the possibility of handing over the occupied territories. However, Zelenskyy, speaking the day before, made it clear: “We will not sign something that will burden ten generations of Ukrainians.”
The outcome of the talks was welcomed in Europe. European Council President Antonio Costa welcomed “the proposal for a ceasefire agreement and the resumption of US security assistance”, calling it an important step. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, added that the EU is ready to play its part in future peace talks, emphasising: “The ball is now in Russia’s court.” These statements reflect Europe’s desire not only to support Ukraine, but also to actively contribute to the shaping of a future peaceful order.
Europe at a crossroads: From words to action
For Europe, the current situation is not only a matter of solidarity with Ukraine, but also a test of its own ability to act as a single player in the international arena. Recent months have shown that dependence on American support could become a weakness for the EU. As early as December 2024, when NATO leaders met with Zelenskyy in Brussels, European states began to develop a plan to deploy their own forces in Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached. At the time, Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said that Europe was ready to take responsibility if the conflict “stops boiling”.
Today, this idea is taking shape. According to the Associated Press, European leaders have already agreed to change the EU’s fiscal rules to increase defence spending ahead of talks in Paris on 17 February 2025. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed that “defence spending will no longer be considered excessive”, paving the way for a significant increase in the European presence in Ukraine. France and the United Kingdom, for their part, announced the development of a joint peace plan to be agreed with the United States in the near future.
Ukraine as a centre of European security
Europe understands that the fate of Ukraine is not only its own struggle, but also the key to stability on the entire continent. According to Radio Liberty experts, without American involvement, the EU is not yet able to fully replace US military support in the short term. However, long-term plans are already being formed. The meeting in London on 2 March, where Zelenskyy agreed on a new defence loan with Keir Starmer, was another indication that Europe is not going to leave Ukraine to face its challenges alone.
Sceptics may say that Europe is still hesitating, balancing its own interests with pressure from Washington. But there is also an optimistic view: every step – from financial aid to the willingness to deploy troops – is a signal that the EU is ready to step out of the US shadow and take on more responsibility. China’s unexpected support for the idea of “hearing Europe’s voice” in the negotiations only underscores that the balance of power in the world is changing.
Together for the future
The meeting in Jeddah was not just a diplomatic manoeuvre, but also a sign that Ukraine, Europe and the United States are looking for a common path to peace. Europe, despite its internal contradictions, is demonstrating unity and willingness to act. Today, when Zelenskyy calls for a “Ukraine, Europe, the US and Russia” format at the negotiating table, it is clear that without the European voice, any agreement will remain fragile. In tumultuous times, when every day brings new challenges, Europe and Ukraine stand side by side, knowing that their future is a common story that has yet to be written.
Author : Marianna Nyzhnia
