US President Donald Trump’s extensive conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised concerns in Europe about potential arrangements regarding Ukraine, possibly excluding Ukrainian involvement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly stated that any peace deal negotiated solely by the US and Russia would not be accepted. European leaders, including Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, cautioned against a hasty resolution, asserting that Europe must participate in discussions for any agreement to be legitimate.
With Trump’s announcement of immediate negotiations, European nations are anxious about being sidelined, reminiscent of historical appeasements. NATO’s future looks uncertain, particularly as European defence spending struggles to keep pace with Russia’s military strength. Newly appointed US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that European troops would likely manage post-agreement peacekeeping, further fuelling worries.
Zelenskyy emphasized that for effective peacekeeping, a robust contingent would be necessary, casting doubt on the adequacy of any US guarantees without direct involvement. European ministers are increasingly sceptical of Trump’s understanding of Putin’s geopolitical motivations and worry that as the US seeks a swift settlement, the implications for broader European security could be dire. The Munich Security Conference presents an opportunity for allies to address these escalating tensions and reassess their collective strategy moving forward.