French President Emmanuel Macron has convened an emergency meeting of European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to discuss concerns over Donald Trump’s attempts to seize control of the Ukraine peace process. The meeting is expected to take place on Monday and will focus on US efforts to exclude European leaders from the peace talks, Europe’s position on Ukraine’s future membership in NATO, and how Ukraine can be offered security guarantees.
Poland’s foreign minister Radosław Sikorski has expressed concern that Trump’s approach is akin to “reconnaissance through battle,” where he pushes for a reaction before changing his stance. This has led to calls from European leaders for a greater role in NATO and the need for a unified response to Russia’s aggression.
UK Prime Minister Starmer has stated that Europe must take a greater role in NATO as it works with the US to secure Ukraine’s future. He emphasized the importance of unity among allies and warned against divisions that could distract from external threats.
Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg has said that it is not realistic for European leaders to be involved in negotiations, urging them to come up with concrete proposals rather than complaining about being at the table.
The EU is also facing pressure to provide troops for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, with some diplomats warning that Europe may be asked to police a deal without having direct involvement in its negotiation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Europe to form a European army to play a central role in protecting Ukraine’s security.
The emergency meeting comes as tensions between Europe and Russia rise, with the US also sending a letter to European states asking what troops they are willing to supply to a peacekeeping force. The situation highlights the need for unity among allies and cooperation to address the growing threat from Russia.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/15/europe-will-not-take-part-in-us-russia-talks-ukraine-kellogg