The meeting took place amid renewed U.S. efforts to push Ukraine into peace talks with Russia and growing doubts about Washington’s support for kyiv.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff said last week he would offer Vladimir Putin direct talks with President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy to secure a ceasefire.
“Those who want to negotiate with Putin get no results,” said German Defense Minister Boris Pistoripus. “What are the results? This doesn’t lead to anything. There is no sign that Putin is seeking peace.”
Wes Streeting of the United Kingdom added: “While none of us seek confrontation with Russia… We must be aware of the threat that Russia poses.”
While promising “total transparency” with the United States, Frenchwoman Catherine Vautrin said E5 members would “work together concretely,” focusing on weapons production and interoperability.
“Produce more, produce faster, produce equipment adapted to today’s conflicts, but we must already plan for tomorrow’s conflicts,” Vautrin said. “On this point, EU financial initiatives can help us move in this direction.”
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