France, Feb. 18 -- The EU is urging member states to ramp up arms production- including air defence, missiles, and at least 1.5 million artillery shells- as European leaders contend with Washington's shifting stance on Ukraine.

Europe is rallying behind Kyiv after US President Donald Trump stunned allies by opening direct peace talks with Russia over the Kremlin's three-year war.

In response, European leaders gathered in Paris on Monday to discuss strategies to strengthen Ukraine's position and ensure any Trump-brokered deal does not undermine their security.

An EU diplomatic proposal seen by French news agency AFP outlines plans to "accelerate and focus efforts to meet Ukraine's most pressing short-term needs".

It calls for swift del...