US President Donald Trump's recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin has stirred anxiety across Europe. The call, which centered on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, has led to concerns of a "dirty deal" that might bypass European interests. European leaders are worried that this could leave them to handle the burdens of funding and implementing any potential settlement. Trump's announcement that negotiations would commence immediately has only heightened these fears.
The unexpected nature of the call left many European leaders feeling sidelined. Their apprehension is that any agreement forged between the US and Russia might exclude Ukraine, thereby favoring Moscow. Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has firmly stated that his country will not accept any peace deal negotiated solely by the US and Russia. Instead, he advocates for a "deterrent package," which includes a substantial contingent of 100,000 peacekeepers, as opposed to a mere 5,000.
NATO's Secretary General, Mark Rutte, highlighted the complexity of increasing production lines and investing in new technology and recruitment. Such endeavors do not materialize overnight, further complicating Europe's position. Meanwhile, European weapons manufacturers have expressed frustration with the convoluted decision-making processes in Brussels, where the European Commission seeks a more significant role in procurement.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, has cautioned against a "quick fix" or a "dirty deal" to end the conflict in Ukraine. She emphasized the necessity for both Europe and Ukraine to be integral participants in any negotiations.
“any deal behind our backs will not work” – Kaja Kallas
Adding to the tension, Moscow seems to relish Europe's diminished role in the negotiations. Trump's direct communication with Putin has left European leaders feeling marginalized and excluded from the process.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed regret that the new US administration has promptly dismissed Ukraine's potential NATO membership. He also noted that Putin continues to provoke the West with renewed aggression. The events of 1989, which saw the dissolution of the Soviet bloc, resulted in defense budget cuts in the West that are only now being reversed.
In response to these developments, six European governments, including France, the UK, and Germany, collectively voiced their intention to collaborate with their American allies.
“We are looking forward to discussing the way ahead together with our American allies.… Ukraine and Europe must be part of any negotiations.” – Six European governments
There is a pervasive sentiment within Europe that their security concerns are not being given due attention in comparison to those of their transatlantic allies.
“a widespread feeling in my country that so many Europeans were less concerned with the security of their homelands than we were.” – US Senator Henry Jackson
Senator Jackson underscored the importance of Europe's contributions to maintaining NATO's strength.
“I am convinced that the future vitality of the alliance depends in very large measure on the degree and quality of European efforts to keep NATO strong.” – US Senator Henry Jackson
Dovilė Šakalienė, an influential figure in European politics, insists that Europe deserves a seat at the negotiation table.
“so I think we earned a place at the table” – Dovilė Šakalienė
She further warned against relying on Trump and Putin to devise a comprehensive solution for all parties involved.
“Whether we decide to fall under the illusion that Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin are going to find a solution for all of us, and that would be a deadly trap, or we will, as Europe, embrace our own economic, financial and military capacity” – Dovilė Šakalienė
There is skepticism regarding Ukraine's potential NATO membership. Pete Hegseth expressed doubts about its feasibility.
“not believe that NATO membership for Ukraine is a realistic outcome” – Pete Hegseth
However, a NATO official clarified that Ukraine remains on track for membership when deemed appropriate.
“the alliance’s position has not changed and Ukraine is still on a path to membership” – NATO official
The notion of involving UN peacekeepers has not been met with enthusiasm by all parties. Zelensky voiced his reservations about their effectiveness.
“I don’t think any UN troops or anything like that have ever really helped anyone” – Volodymyr Zelensky
