ISTANBUL

European leaders are preparing for high-level talks on Ukraine’s security as France moves forward with plans to host an informal summit, according to a report by France 24, citing diplomatic sources.

The meeting – expected to take place Monday in Paris, just short of the Russia-Ukraine war’s third anniversary – comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls for the creation of a European army, warning that the continent can no longer be sure of protection from the US under President Donald Trump.

French President Emmanuel Macron has been pushing for a summit of European leaders in Paris, according to Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who spoke at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

Four European diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, said discussions are ongoing over who should attend. Two of them confirmed that Britain, which is not part of the European Union, has been invited.

Dutch media also reported that Prime Minister Dick Schoof will travel to Paris for the talks.

Following separate phone calls last week between Trump and his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts, speculation is running high over a possible push for a peace deal between the two neighboring countries.