Why is Saudi Arabia hosting Trump’s Ukraine peace talks and who is attending?

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The panicked peace talks have kicked off following US president Donald Trump’s decision to push for a deal with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to end the fighting in Ukraine. Trump later told reporters that his administration “does not believe that Nato membership for Ukraine is a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement,” adding that security for the country “must be backed by capable European and non-European troops.” open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer has said he is prepared to put a peacekeeping force into Ukraine His comments took European leaders by surprise. Prime minister Keir Starmer has wasted no time in backing the move, pledging for the first time to put “troops on the ground if necessary.” Writing in The Telegraph, he said Europe is facing a “once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our continent.” His comments will likely be welcomed by Vladimir Zelensky, who said on Saturday that the continent should form an “army of Europe.” However, the Ukrainian president has expressed dissatisfaction at the possibility of being left in the dark as US and Russian officials discuss peace in his country. The presidents of the European Council and European Commission were also in attendance, according to the Elysée Palace, at what Macron has called an “informal meeting.” But Sir Keir placed more ceremony on to the summit, calling it a “once-in-a-generation moment for our national security where we engage with the reality of the world today and the threat we face from Russia.” “It’s clear Europe must take on a greater role in Nato as we work with the United States to secure Ukraine’s future and face down the threat we face from Russia,” he added.