Washington: US President Donald Trump's approach to ending Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine has left European leaders and Ukrainian officials concerned that they may be sidelined as the US pushes for direct talks with Russia to resolve the conflict.
With the war now in its third year, Trump has dispatched key officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, to Saudi Arabia for discussions with Russian representatives. This diplomatic push has raised fresh concerns in Kyiv and across Europe, as recent comments from top Trump advisors, including Vice-President JD Vance, suggest the Republican administration seeks a swift resolution to the war with minimal European involvement.
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At the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced his concerns, stating that the longstanding relationship between Europe and the US was coming to an end. His comments highlighted the anxiety surrounding the lack of European input in these new discussions.
White House denies exclusion of Europe
White House officials have rejected claims that Europe is being excluded from negotiations. During his visit to Munich and Paris, Vice-President Vance held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and President Zelenskyy.
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz responded to concerns, stating that while some European leaders may not be pleased with the sequencing of talks, Europe is still being consulted, and the ultimate goal is to bring the war to an end under President Trump’s leadership.
Trump's administration is carefully re-engaging with Moscow, following the Biden administration’s clampdown on diplomatic relations after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trump recently spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the two leaders agreed to initiate high-level talks to end the war. Initially presented as a two-way conversation, Trump later confirmed that Ukraine would have a seat at the table, although the specifics remain unclear.
Concerns over US prioritising its own interests
Trump’s approach has raised concerns regarding the US's focus on its own strategic interests. There is growing tension surrounding Trump's proposal to secure US access to Ukraine’s rare-earth mineral deposits, in exchange for military aid. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has rejected this proposal, citing the lack of security guarantees for Ukraine. The White House called Zelenskyy’s decision "short-sighted," arguing that the deal would strengthen Ukraine's ties with the US.
European officials are also uneasy about some of Vance’s remarks during his recent visit to Paris and Munich, where he lectured European leaders on issues such as free speech and illegal migration. In response, France is set to convene top European officials in Paris for an emergency meeting to discuss the next steps for Ukraine. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced that the meeting would take place on Monday, aiming to address the situation and reinforce European unity.
Agency
Published: 17 Feb 2025, 06:52 am IST
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