Ukraine could join NATO if Russia violates ceasefire

US bets on Europe

The White House has repeatedly emphasised that ending the war in Ukraine will be the task of the next US president, while security guarantees for Kyiv should be provided by European allies.

Against the backdrop of these statements, an emergency summit will be held in Paris on 17 February, where EU leaders will discuss further support for Ukraine, as well as possible steps in the event of diplomatic agreements between the US and Russia.

Talks in Saudi Arabia and European concerns

Meanwhile, the start of US-Russian negotiations on a possible ceasefire is expected in Saudi Arabia. In Europe, there are fears that these discussions could lead to backroom deals between Washington and Moscow that do not take into account the interests of Ukraine and the EU.

As The Guardian notes, European leaders do not want to allow the Kremlin to impose a policy of neutrality on Ukraine and divide spheres of influence with the US. This is why in Paris they will seek ways to strengthen Europe's role in resolving the conflict.

Possibility of deploying peacekeepers and Ukraine's NATO accession

Key topics of the summit include:

• Deployment of European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire.
• Security guarantees from the EU for Kyiv in case Russia violates the ceasefire.
• Automatic accession of Ukraine to NATO if Russia scuttles possible agreements.