The US President Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, stated on Saturday (February 15) that Europe will not have a seat at the table in the Ukraine peace talks. This statement came after the US sent out surveys to various European governments, asking what contributions they could make to Ukraine’s security.
Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week, announcing the immediate start of Ukraine war negotiations without consulting European allies or Ukraine beforehand, shocking the European Union.
During the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Kellogg was asked if he could guarantee that Ukrainians and Europeans would be at the negotiation table. He responded, “The answer to the last question (about Europeans), as you presented it, is no.”
However, he also mentioned that Ukrainians would definitely be at the negotiation table because otherwise, it would be foolish.
Kellogg’s statement immediately drew criticism from European leaders.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated on the spot, “Without European involvement, we cannot discuss or negotiate on Ukraine, the future of Ukraine, or the security structure of Europe.”
“But this means that Europe needs to act together. Europe needs less talk and more action,” he added.
Stubb also pointed out that the survey sent by the US to Europeans “will force Europeans to think.”
A European diplomat said that the US document includes six questions, with one specifically targeting EU member states.
Another diplomat mentioned, “The Americans are communicating with various European governments, asking them how many soldiers they are prepared to deploy.”
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also urged Europeans to act together. He stated in Munich, “I would like to say to my European friends, join this discussion, not by complaining about whether you may or may not be at the negotiating table, but by offering concrete suggestions and ideas, and increasing defense spending.”
An official from the French President’s office stated on Saturday that France is discussing with allies the possibility of holding an informal meeting of European leaders to discuss the Ukraine issue, but no decision has been made at this stage.
However, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that the meeting will take place on Monday.
(Reference to Reuters)