The leaders of the 27 European Union countries will hold an emergency summit on March 6 about next steps for Ukraine and Europe’s security.

European leaders meeting in Paris on Monday for emergency talks called for higher defense spending to ramp up the continent's defense capabilities but remained divided on the possible deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine to back up any peace deal.

The hastily called gathering was part of a flurry of diplomacy expected to center on Ukraine this week as Trump officials prepare to start talks with Russia on their own.

Political and military leaders in Europe are fleshing out details of a plan for European forces to help ensure Moscow does not attack Ukraine again once the guns fall silent.

In the shadow of imminent defeat, European powers have unveiled their most audacious military initiative since the end of World War II. As Russia tightens its grip on Ukraine, Britain and France are preparing to cross a line that could potentially reshape the continent's security landscape forever.