Munich Security Conference, February 14, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis
U.S. Excludes Europe from Ukraine Peace Talks, Sparking Diplomatic Backlash
Trump Administration’s Diplomatic Approach
The Trump administration has confirmed that European nations will not be included in Ukraine peace negotiations, a decision that has triggered immediate criticism from European leaders. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, General Keith Kellogg, the U.S. lead envoy on Ukraine, stated that while Ukraine would participate in the talks, European countries would not be at the table.
- Kellogg emphasized that Europe’s role would be limited, stating bluntly: “The answer is no.”
- The U.S. has instead sent a questionnaire to European capitals asking what contributions they are willing to make toward Ukraine’s security guarantees, including potential troop deployments.
European Leaders Push Back
The exclusion of Europe from negotiations sparked sharp criticism from key European officials, who argue that Ukraine’s future and European security cannot be decided without their involvement.
- Finland’s President Alexander Stubb insisted that Europe must be part of any discussions regarding Ukraine, warning that Europe must “get its act together” and take a more proactive role in its defense policies.
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte echoed this sentiment, urging European countries to focus on concrete proposals and increased defense spending, rather than simply objecting to their exclusion.
- France is reportedly considering an informal meeting of European leaders to discuss Ukraine’s future, with Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski confirming that discussions are planned for Monday.
Potential Peace Negotiation Framework
The Trump administration has hinted at a framework for peace talks, which may include:
- Territorial concessions from Russia as a potential resolution.
- Increased enforcement of Western sanctions targeting Russia’s oil revenue, which Kellogg described as key to undermining Russia’s war efforts.
These statements have fueled concerns that the U.S. may be making concessions to Russia before negotiations have even started.
Zelenskiy’s Call for a European Army
In response to growing uncertainty over U.S. support, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy proposed the creation of a European army, arguing that Europe can no longer rely solely on American security guarantees.
- Zelenskiy stated that “Europe’s future must depend only on Europeans”, advocating for a unified military force that includes Ukraine.
- European reactions have been mixed. Some Eastern European officials dismissed the idea, emphasizing that NATO already serves as Europe’s primary military force.
G7 Response and Continued Cooperation
Despite concerns over U.S. policy shifts, G7 foreign ministers, including the U.S., issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to securing a durable peace deal for Ukraine with robust security guarantees.
The coming weeks are expected to be crucial in defining Europe’s role in Ukraine’s future and clarifying the Trump administration’s ultimate stance on the conflict.
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