Political and investigations correspondent
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Next week, European leaders are scheduled to convene for an urgent summit concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine, motivated by apprehensions that the US is proceeding with Russia on peace negotiations that may exclude European nations.
Sir Keir Starmer, who is anticipated to participate in the summit in Paris, remarked that this is a “once-in-a-generation moment for our national security,” emphasizing that Europe needs to assume a more significant role within NATO.
This occurs following comments from Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, indicating that while European leaders would be consulted, they would not partake in any discussions between the US and Russia regarding the conflict’s resolution.
Notable White House officials, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are scheduled to meet with Russian representatives in Saudi Arabia shortly. US authorities asserted that Ukraine was also invited, though President Volodymyr Zelensky contends his nation has not received such an invitation.
Remarks likely to cause alarm in Ukraine and among European allies came from special envoy Keith Kellogg, who stated that past negotiations faltered due to an excessive number of parties being involved.
“It may resonate like chalk on a blackboard; it might be somewhat jarring, but what I am revealing is rather candid,” he said on Saturday.
Europe continues to be haunted by the Minsk agreements, a failed ceasefire accord between Ukraine and Russia negotiated in 2015. These discussions were facilitated by France and Germany to halt hostilities in Ukraine’s Donbas region.
Sir Keir is believed to regard his mission as one of bridging the US and Europe to guarantee a unified strategy for peace in Ukraine.
The UK Prime Minister is set to convey the perspectives of European leaders during his visit to US President Trump at the White House later this month.
A subsequent meeting involving European leaders and Zelensky is anticipated following Sir Keir’s return from Washington.
Sir Keir asserted that the UK would “work to ensure we maintain cohesion between the US and Europe,” stressing that the two cannot “allow any divisions within the alliance to detract from” the challenges posed by “external adversaries.”
“This represents a unique opportunity for our national security, where we confront the current global reality and the threats posed by Russia,” he noted.
“It’s evident that Europe needs to enhance its role within NATO as we cooperate with the United States to safeguard Ukraine’s future and counter the dangers emanating from Russia.”
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski mentioned that Emmanuel Macron had convened the summit of European leaders, although the French president has yet to publicly confirm it.
Sikorski remarked: “President Trump has a way of operating that the Russians refer to as reconnaissance through battle. You advance and observe the outcomes, then adjust your position; this is a legitimate tactic. We must respond accordingly.”
Earlier on Saturday, Zelensky called for the establishment of an “army of Europe” amidst growing fears that the US may retract its support for the continent.
During the Munich Security Conference, he stated that US Vice-President JD Vance’s address had underscored that the traditional relationship between Europe and America is “dwindling,” necessitating an adjustment by the continent.
However, Zelensky also expressed that Ukraine would “never accept agreements made behind our backs without our participation” in light of Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin initiating peace talks.
Earlier this week, the US president disclosed that he had a lengthy phone call with the Russian leader, announcing that negotiations to cease the “absurd war” in Ukraine would commence “immediately”.
Trump subsequently “informed” Zelensky of his plans.
The US president appeared optimistic that his diplomatic approach could facilitate a peace agreement regarding Ukraine.
His thaw in relations with Putin ended over three years of silence between Moscow and Washington.
Trump’s unexpected revelation revived memories of his 2018 meeting with Putin in Helsinki.
The two leaders engaged in nearly two hours of private discussions in the Finnish capital before proceeding to a joint press conference where Trump defended Russia against accusations of election interference in the 2016 US presidential election.
These assertions came despite US intelligence agencies concluding in 2016 that Russia orchestrated efforts to sway the election against Hillary Clinton through state-sponsored cyber attacks and disseminating false narratives on social media.
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On Saturday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke with Russia’s foreign minister “building on” the 12 February call between Trump and Putin.
Top officials from the Trump administration will initiate peace discussions with Russian and Ukrainian negotiators in Saudi Arabia within the next few days, US Representative Michael McCaul informed Reuters.
McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, indicated that Zelensky had been invited to participate in the Saudi talks, which aimed to organize a gathering with Trump, Putin, and the Ukrainian president “to ultimately achieve peace and resolve this conflict.”
A day earlier, Vance had launched a pointed critique of European democracies, asserting that the gravest peril to the continent was not from Russia and China but “from within.”
During his address at the Munich Security Conference, he reiterated the Trump administration’s stance that Europe must “step up significantly to ensure its own defense.”
David Lammy emphasized that the UK and EU nations need to bolster their defense expenditures, citing that Europe faces an “existential threat” even in the event of a negotiated settlement in Ukraine.
The UK Foreign Secretary stated at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday that “Putin will not simply disappear,” highlighting that while it’s encouraging that 23 NATO countries are investing at least 2% of their GDP on defense, “it’s evident we must increase that support.”
Additional reporting by Malu Cursino.
