European leaders are screaming to respond to President Trump's first move to end Russian wars in Ukraine, shocking to be outside the high stakes about the security of the continent, and to be able to sway from Europe It is working on a potential setback for the US military.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Europe and Ukraine will be involved in the “real consultations” as he prepares to meet his Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. But that follows a number of complicated messages from Trump's top officials at the Munich Security Conference last week, along with a frown from Vice President Vance.
Leaders of eight major European countries gathered on Monday to coordinate their reactions after being caught up in their backs by Trump's opening gambit on the Russian Ukraine talk.
Even Ukrainian President Voldimi Zelensky on Monday said he “don't know anything” about peace debates in the Middle East until it was publicly announced.
“I think Europe realizes that they need to make plans right away, as they are ready for anything that comes next,” says Vice President of External Affairs and the German Marshall Fund. said Sudha David-Wilp, Senior Fellow. .
“The mood had been getting worse from bad,” a European foreign policy expert who attended the Munich Conference admitted anonymity to speak openly.
European officials were expected to be taken on missions over low defence spending, but were not completely removed from talks. Uncertainty is expanding cooperation in loosening the EU's budget shortage requirements and increasing defence spending, experts said.
“Perhaps there will be a series of announcements by Europeans over the next few days, not only will it inform Americans that they will be taken seriously, but it will also reassure each other,” they said.
French President Emmanuel Macron called an emergency meeting on Monday to invite leaders from Germany, the UK, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark and the European Union.
British Prime Minister Kiel StarmerSuggested SubmissionThe British troops to Ukraine as a postwar peacekeeping force responded to Trump's call for Europe to take more responsibility for its security.
Zelensky spoke to Europe not to be treated “like a pushover” and called on the European Union to nominate envoys for peace negotiations.
“There must be a representative from Europe,” Zelensky said.He told reportersIt also warns that “Ukraine considers negotiations regarding Ukraine as no consequences in the case of Ukraine.”
The Trump administration has promoted European fear throughout the week, starting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegses, who attended a meeting of the Ukrainian Defense Liaison Group in Brussels.
Hegseth warned Europe to prepare for a future without US troops on the continent, causing a whiplash by appearing to rule out joining NATO as part of the peace talks, and all options later went to the table He said it was still there.
Trump then called Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the ceasefire before later talking to Zelensky. And Vance closed the week by lectures to Europeans about democracy, saying that his leader was scared of his voters.
Trump's Ukrainian envoy, General Keith Kellogg, appeared to have confirmed on Saturday that Europe did not see a physical seat in negotiations, but said it would take into account the benefits of the region. .
“What we don't want to do is take part in a large group discussion,” Kellogg said in Munich on Saturday.
That applies at least to first-round talks, according to the state. Department.
RubioSunday saidThe first talks decide how serious Russia is and if negotiations continue, “Ukraine must be involved as it is an invaded, and Europeans will be involved as there are sanctions against Putin and Russia They will have to be involved. In the same way.
Jennifer Cabana, senior Defense Priority Fellow and Director of Military Analysis, said the role of Europe remains uncertain.
“Trump sees Putin as his counterpart, and European leaders think that they lack a certain geopolitical weight. That's true, and partly their own fault. That's it,” she said.
“But at the same time, I don't think it's clear that Europeans will be completely locked out of negotiations.”
Gabrielius Landsberghis, former Foreign Minister of Lithuania;I wrote it on social media site xHe left Munich in a “low mood” and had “dark thoughts” in the face of the potential reality of the United States retreating from European security guarantees.
The United States is the de facto leader of NATO and is considered the only member state with the ability to build and supply the military ammunition needed to remain in the fight against Russia.
“People who say that Europe needs to be at the table need to remember the problem to be invited. If Europe commits the European path for money, the military, Ukraine, we We can create our own tables and invite Ukraine, Putin, Trump, but time is running out,” Landsbergis writes.
“I am fully aware that my suggestion only leads to blood, hardships, tears and sweat. But we've done it before and we can do it again. Another way would be to rebuild the continent after another catastrophic war, which would be much more difficult and take longer.”
Franak Viacholka, the chief political adviser to Belarus' ousted presidential election, Subiatrana Tskanuskaya, said the general theme coming out of Munich is “revision.”
“Alliances, approaches, values and interests are being reassessed. This is truly a new era. It can either lead us into a world of freedom, or destroy us, and tyranny wins,” he said. I wrote it on the hill in text.
“Indeed, Europe is awake, and undoubtedly, the new reality makes Europe more determined. The question is that Europe is made up of 27 voices, with the level of motivation and preparation for bold action It's a variety. I believe this crisis and this reassessment may unite Europe, including the surrounding Ukraine. And I also want to be around Belarus.”
Germany and France are traditional leaders of the 27 EU blocs. However, in terms of key decisions on security funding, the continent remains somewhat paralyzed until Germany held its national election set for February 23rd.
“There's a lot of leadership right now,” said David Wilp of the German Marshall Fund.
“Ukraine is the first hurdle, but I think there are still bigger topics. How do Europeans imagine future security orders?” US focuses on China, NATO and as she spoke about retreating from her leadership role in Europe, she continued.
Cabana said European countries are operating under the old paradigm. There, Trump pushed them to spend more on their defense in his first term, but still under American leadership direction.
“My point is, no, instead, I need to know what it takes to protect myself without our support. Re-election.
She said this week that comments from Trump administration officials reaffirmed that view.
