Europe will be involved in discussions but ultimately sidelined from the upcoming peace negotiations involving Russia, the US, and Ukraine, as indicated by Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine.
When questioned about Europe’s participation in the proposed talks, Keith Kellogg expressed his belief that it would not occur, stating he came from “the school of realism.”
“It might be like nails on a chalkboard, a bit irritating, but I’m providing an assessment that is quite truthful,” he remarked on Saturday.
“To my European colleagues, I would advise: engage in the discourse by not merely complaining about your potential seat at the table, but by proposing tangible suggestions and increasing [defence] expenditure.”
Kellogg’s comments are likely to generate unease among certain European leaders who are skeptical of Trump and perceive their national security as closely linked to Ukraine’s situation. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski noted that French President Emmanuel Macron had invited European leaders to Paris for a discussion on the matter.
Kellogg mentioned that the failure of past peace talks between Ukraine and Russia can be attributed to the excessive involvement of numerous countries without the capacity to facilitate the process effectively. “We are not going down that route,” he added during the Munich Security Conference.
Earlier, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted in his speech to the conference the likelihood of Europe being overlooked in the negotiations. He urged Europe to bolster its defenses by establishing a European army, wherein Ukraine would play a pivotal role.
Zelenskyy says time has come to create an ‘armed forces of Europe’ – video
European leaders, reeling from the confrontational address by the US Vice President, JD Vance, on Friday, are increasingly concerned regarding Trump’s approach to a Ukraine peace resolution and fear that any agreement reached may favor the US while adversely affecting both Ukraine’s and Europe’s security.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk took to social media to express: “Europe urgently requires its own action plan regarding Ukraine and our security, or else global players will dictate our future, not necessarily aligning with our interests… This plan needs to be devised immediately. Time is of the essence.”
Kellogg indicated that key concerns revolve around ensuring the war does not reignite post-ceasefire and establishing how Ukraine can maintain its sovereignty. He emphasized that this requires a reliable security guarantee, adding that Trump, as the prime decision-maker in the US, is not currently positioned to outline such a guarantee.
He expressed, “Trump would need an array of options,” and stated, “all options remain on the table.” He mentioned he was operating on “Trump time,” indicating he anticipates an agreement within weeks or months. A crucial matter is establishing how breaches of any ceasefire are managed.
Kellogg confirmed he is coordinating with his contacts in the NATO alliance, while Steve Witkoff, the Middle East envoy, is in communication with Russian officials.
Zelenskyy urged Europe not to be sidelined by Trump in negotiations. “Let’s be frank – we cannot disregard the potential that America might decline Europe on issues that concern it. Numerous leaders have proposed the idea of a European military—an army of Europe. I feel the time has indeed come. The armed forces of Europe must be established.
“Recently, President Trump informed me of his dialogue with Putin. He did not once imply that America sees the need for Europe at that negotiating table. This carries significant implications. The past era of unwavering American support for Europe is done—Ukraine will not endorse agreements made without our input. The same principle should apply across Europe: No decisions regarding Ukraine without Ukraine. No decisions for Europe without Europe.”
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He continued, “President Trump once remarked: ‘What truly matters is not the family you were born into, but the one you forge.’ We must cultivate the closest possible bond with America, and yes, forge a new relationship—not merely as individual nations, but as Europeans. This necessitates a unified foreign policy and coordinated diplomatic efforts, essentially the foreign policy of a unified Europe.”
Given that many European countries are grappling with increasingly Eurosceptic populations, his vision of integration may struggle to gain traction. Nonetheless, his statements could invigorate discussions across Europe regarding their potential military involvement in Ukraine, including the possibility of deploying troops to safeguard a ceasefire.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte encouraged Europe to remain engaged with Trump, insisting that he isn’t about to turn away from Europe or Ukraine. He stated, “We are one family,” affirming that the Americans “are correct; we are not investing enough.” He anticipated NATO adopting a new spending target in May to be achieved in four to five years, including clear milestones, with a potential defense spending aim exceeding 3% of GDP, since the current 2% target is insufficient.
Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Europe, maintained a more positive outlook on US intentions, asserting, “There is a significant commitment and resolve to conclude the war justly, ensuring it does not recur. We are addressing not just the conclusion of the war, but its prevention in the future.”
Zelenskyy is attempting to counter Trump’s proposal for the US to claim 50% of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. He dismissed the offer after realizing that the proposed contract lacked essential assurances regarding US security guarantees in light of a ceasefire.
When questioned about the deal in Munich, Zelenskyy replied: “We are still in discussions. I’ve engaged in various dialogues.”
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent extended the offer to Zelenskyy during a visit to Kyiv on Wednesday, following Trump’s assertion that the US was entitled to half a trillion dollars’ worth of Ukraine’s resources as compensation for its support.
Zelenskyy is exploring every possible avenue to secure a long-term protection commitment from the US against future Russian aggression, yet he is aware that, in a precarious negotiation stance, Trump’s demands will be challenging to resist.
