European leaders are in a state of concern over the rapid approach of a summit between Presidents Trump and Putin to discuss peace in Ukraine. This comes after the first known contact between the two leaders since Trump’s inauguration, following a 90-minute phone call on Wednesday.
Zelensky is adamant that Ukraine must have direct representation and input in any agreements, emphasizing the importance of European allies being involved in the negotiations. The Defense Secretary’s statement ruling out future NATO membership for Ukraine has left European officials shocked.
Trump’s recent remarks about the possibility of Ukraine becoming part of Russia have added to the anxiety among European leaders. They are now scrambling to secure a seat at the negotiation table following Trump’s conversation with Putin.
European officials are warning the United States against reaching a peace deal with Russia without their involvement. They are worried about potential concessions that Trump may extract from them, including financial contributions for Ukrainian reconstruction and troop deployment.
The Europeans are also unhappy with Washington’s decision to take NATO membership off the table before peace talks even begin. Despite this, they acknowledge that this move was necessary to kickstart negotiations with Putin.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized Trump for making concessions to Putin before negotiations have even started. He emphasized the need for discussions about Ukraine’s possible NATO membership at the negotiating table.
The upcoming Munich Security Conference will provide an opportunity for US Vice President JD Vance and Ukraine’s envoy to clarify the way forward for Ukraine and its European allies. The Ukrainians and Europeans are eager to gain more clarity on the situation from the American officials at the conference.