NATO Worries Grow That Europe Will Be Left Out of Talks to End War in Ukraine

Reconstruction of Ukraine is likely to be largely funded by Europe,

he explained from the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference

Any deal behind our backs will not work. Any agreement will need also Ukraine and Europe being part of it,

Kallas said

The West started to fall apart last night,

Lete concluded, suggesting that translantic cooperation was giving way to US preferences

The arguments that have been made that somehow coming to the table right now is making concessions to Vladimir Putin outright that the President of the United States shouldn’t otherwise make — I just reject that at its face."

But when pressed on whether the US would also spell out concessions Russia might have to make, he wouldn’t be drawn, instead saying

Why are we giving [Russia] everything they want even before the negotiations have started?"

she said to DW and other outlets on the sidelines of the talks

[Europeans] provide the bulk of financial assistance to Ukraine,

Grand said, pointing to Ukraine's path toward joining the European Union

I challenge anyone else to think of a world leader at this moment who, with credibility and strength, could bring those two leaders to the table and forge a durable peace that ultimately serves the interests of Ukraine,

he added

Europeans need to make clear that they stand ready to play the role proposed, ... but they expect in return to have a seat at the table and to shape a settlement that would allow to build a solid and lasting peace."

he said

There can be no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine. And Ukraine's voice must be at the heart of any talks."

Rutte's remarks were echoed by UK Defense Secretary John Healey, who told reporters

In my view it would have been better to speak about a possible NATO membership for Ukraine or possible losses of territory at the negotiating table,

Pistorius said

There is no betrayal there. There is a recognition that the whole world and the United States is invested and interested in peace,

Hegseth said ahead of a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels

Of course, this is crucial — (when) we talk about Ukraine, that Ukraine is closely involved in everything happening about Ukraine,

Rutte told journalists as alliance defense ministers gathered for a Brussels meeting to discuss the conflict

It is very clear to me that there must be no solution that does not also involve the US,

Scholz said in an interview with Politico released on Thursday

That will require both sides recognizing things they don't want to,

he said

We have to be there. So there is no question about it. Otherwise, this peace will not be long lasting."

Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said

It's very natural that we're engaged into the discussions."

Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson said

Let's not forget, Russia remains a threat well beyond Ukraine,

Healey said after Washington indicated

I had a long and detailed conversation with President Trump...We believe that America's strength, together with Ukraine and all our partners, is enough to push Russia to peace."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a post on X Wednesday, said

We want peace for Ukraine but we want an unjust war to end with a just peace.”

Albares Bueno added

I don’t have any European nations who are involved currently to read out for you.”

When asked if any European countries would be involved in peace talks, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said