Janice R. Andrews
In a controversial move, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, has confirmed that European nations will be excluded from upcoming Ukraine-Russia peace talks. The announcement, made at the Munich Security Conference, has triggered outrage among European leaders, with French President Emmanuel Macron calling for an emergency summit in Paris.
Europe Left Out of Peace Negotiations
Kellogg, 80, emphasized that while Europe should participate in discussions, they will not have a final say in the resolution of the conflict. “That is not going to happen,” he stated, urging European nations to contribute ideas and increase defense spending rather than complaining about exclusion. He defended the U.S. stance, arguing that previous talks involving multiple countries failed to yield an agreement.
The exclusion has alarmed European leaders, who fear the talks’ outcome could negatively impact their nations. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk underscored the urgency, warning, “Europe urgently needs its own plan of action concerning Ukraine and our security, or else other global players will decide about our future.”
Macron Calls Emergency Summit
In response to the U.S. decision, President Macron is hosting an emergency summit with European leaders in Paris to discuss their next steps. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski confirmed that the meeting aims to formulate a unified European strategy. “There is no time to lose,” Tusk added, stressing the importance of European nations securing their interests in the peace process.
Zelensky Warns Against U.S.-Russia Backdoor Deals
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed concerns about the exclusion of European nations, warning President Trump not to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin “behind our backs.” Addressing the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky urged Europe to strengthen its military force, stating, “Money alone will not stop an enemy assault. Decisions about Europe must be made in Europe.”
The Ukrainian leader referenced a recent phone call between Trump and Putin, after which Trump suggested direct negotiations with Russia. While Trump reassured Zelensky that Ukraine would have a seat at the table, the lack of European representation remains a contentious issue. “Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement, and the same rule should apply to all of Europe,” Zelensky asserted.
Push for a European Military Force
Zelensky reiterated his call for the creation of a European military force, arguing that “three years of full-scale war have proven that we already have the foundation for a united European military force.” He clarified that this initiative is not meant to replace NATO but to complement its efforts. “This is about making Europe’s contribution to our partnership equal to America’s,” he explained, addressing NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the audience.
U.S. Defends Exclusion
Despite the backlash, Kellogg insisted that the upcoming negotiations would ensure a permanent ceasefire while maintaining Ukraine’s sovereignty. He reaffirmed that limiting participants in the talks is crucial to securing an effective peace deal, contrasting it with previous failed attempts involving multiple nations.
Growing Rift Between U.S. and Europe
This latest development signals a growing divide between the U.S. and its European allies over the handling of the Ukraine crisis. European nations are now racing to assert their influence in the ongoing conflict, determined not to be sidelined in decisions affecting their security.
With tensions mounting, all eyes are on the emergency summit in Paris, where European leaders are expected to chart a course forward. Whether Europe will succeed in gaining a stronger role in the peace process remains uncertain, but the exclusion from talks has already deepened existing transatlantic fractures.
