European Leaders Demand Inclusion in Trump-Putin Ukraine Negotiations
Brussels, Belgium - European leaders voiced their opposition to being excluded from Donald Trump's talks with Vladimir Putin, stating that any peace agreement must prioritize Ukrainian and European interests.
Trump's unexpected phone call with Putin, during which he agreed to negotiate an end to the Ukraine conflict, has raised concerns among NATO allies. They fear that a deal reached without their input could disadvantage Ukraine and embolden Russia.
"Any agreement will need also Ukraine and Europe being part of it," said Kaja Kallas, European Union Foreign Policy Chief. "It's clear that any deal behind our backs will not work."
European defense companies experienced a decline in stock prices, while Russian stocks surged in anticipation of a potential breakthrough. Estonia's Defense Minister, Hanno Pevkur, emphasized that a deal not involving Europe "will not be long-lasting."
UK Defense Secretary John Healey insisted, "there can be no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine."
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth downplayed concerns, describing Trump as "the best negotiator on the planet." He reiterated that a negotiated peace "will require both sides recognizing things they don't want to."
Despite these assurances, European officials remain skeptical, fearing that Trump is capitulating to Putin's demands without securing appropriate concessions. Hegseth's dismissal of the call as a betrayal further fueled their suspicions.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the need for a deal that prevents Putin from "trying to capture a square kilometer of Ukraine in the future." German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stressed that "there can be no decision about Ukraine without Ukraine."
EU leaders have reiterated the importance of investing in European defense capabilities, a demand long advocated by Trump. Hegseth urged NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP.
NATO allies have also highlighted their financial support for Ukraine. Rutte emphasized that non-US members have contributed more than half of the funding in 2024.
Russia-aligned governments expressed optimism about the outcome of Trump's call. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto expressed hope that the war will end.
Trading volumes and stock prices of Russian companies surged in response to the news. The MOEX index gained over 5%, while the ruble strengthened against the dollar. European defense companies, such as Rheinmetall AG and Saab AB, experienced declines.
Trump's call with Putin reflects his campaign pledge to pursue a different approach in dealing with Russia, departing from the Biden administration's strategy of avoiding direct contact.
However, experts have criticized Trump's strategy as appeasement. "Why are we giving them everything that they want even before the negotiations have been started?" Kallas asked. "It has never worked."