The Russian-Ukrainian war appears to be moving towards a peace project after the Alaska summit between US and Russian leaders. However, the European and Ukrainian sides are also key players in the equation of war and peace, with differing approaches, horizons and strategies. Perhaps this is why a meeting was held in Washington to discuss peace in Ukraine with the participation of US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and European leaders, to explore the possibility of reaching real peace and establishing security guarantees for Ukraine after the war ends. Europe feels directly threatened by Russia, unlike the United States, and seeks a peace that guarantees Ukraine’s capacity for self-defence and deterrence. This could even involve deploying European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. Although there is no European consensus on such a step, it could ultimately drag Europe into future fighting with Russia, especially without US support, meaning it would be an initiative outside NATO. Meanwhile, Russia’s military expenditure, measured by purchasing power, is higher than Europe’s combined defence spending. It has risen by 41%, now amounting to 6.7% of GDP, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

On the Russian side, the equation remains unchanged: Ukraine must relinquish Donbas and Crimea, must not join NATO, and in return, security guarantees should provide the US and Europe with collective defense........

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