France, Feb. 3 -- European Union leaders are gathering in Brussels on Monday to discuss boosting Europe's military funding in the face of multiple threats, including Russia's war on Ukraine - which is about to enter its third year.

Organised by European Council President Antonio Costa, the exceptional defence retreat will involve British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

The summit comestwo weeks after US President Donald Trump's return to the White House with promises of a "quick end" to the Ukraine war.

But European leaders fear he will cut off crucial aid to Kyiv and force a ceasefire that favours Moscow.

"Europe needs to assume greater responsibility for its own defence," Costatold leaders in his i...