European leaders are convening for an urgent summit on Ukraine, prompted by worries that the Trump administration’s efforts to collaborate with Russia in resolving the conflict have left them isolated. The continent is in a state of urgency following US President Donald Trump’s declaration of initiating negotiations with Russia to end the war, following a discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump’s Russia-Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, stated that Europe would not be involved in these negotiations.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is slated to participate in the summit in Paris, referring to it as a pivotal moment for national security. Starmer emphasized the importance of keeping the US and Europe united, stating, “We must not allow any divisions within the alliance to divert our attention from the external threats we are facing.”
At the Munich Security Conference, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski disclosed that French President Emmanuel Macron had proposed a summit of European leaders in Paris. While the Elysee Palace has not officially confirmed the gathering, they mentioned ongoing discussions among European leaders for a potential informal meeting.
The confirmation of the emergency summit by the UK follows recent actions by US President Trump and his administration that have disrupted the previously unified stance between Washington and its European NATO allies in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. Trump engaged in talks with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while his administration presented a plan for ending the conflict that has sparked concerns about potential concessions to Russia and the exclusion of Europe from the peace process.
The diplomatic efforts by European nations come in response to statements made by US Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth in Brussels, suggesting that it was unlikely for Kyiv to join NATO or revert to its pre-2014 borders, a departure from Washington’s previous position. Despite these initial comments, Hegseth later clarified that all options are being considered in negotiations between the two countries. US Vice President JD Vance also cautioned that Russia could face economic and military repercussions if it fails to negotiate peace sincerely.
Kellogg asserted in Munich that Ukraine would have a seat at the negotiating table, but European governments would not participate directly. Trump’s criticisms of NATO and his calls for increased defense spending from European allies have contributed to concerns of a growing divide between Europe and the US. Vance’s remarks in Munich further underscored these apprehensions, as he highlighted internal challenges in Europe as the primary security threat, rather than external adversaries like China or Russia.
This contrasting approach from the Trump administration stands in stark contrast to the policies of former President Joe Biden, who prioritized strengthening the transatlantic alliance.
The United States viewed its support for Ukraine as crucial in upholding a rules-based international order. It has closely collaborated with its European allies to back Ukraine’s defense following Russia’s invasion in 2022. In a statement on X Sunday, Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, announced that the bloc would soon introduce new initiatives to support Ukraine and enhance European security.
In a bid to push for peace talks, the US seems to be pursuing its own peace process. Key figures from the administration are preparing to engage in discussions with senior Russian officials to initiate talks aimed at bringing an end to the conflict, according to multiple sources. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are expected to convene in Saudi Arabia for the meeting in the coming days. Although the specific Russian officials attending have not been disclosed, CNN previously reported that the Kremlin is assembling a high-level negotiating team, including top political, intelligence, and economic figures, as well as Kirill Dmitriev, a Russian official who played a significant role in a recent US prisoner release deal.
Concerns have risen in Ukraine over potential exclusion from discussions determining the future of the country, as President Zelensky expressed disappointment that President Trump spoke with Putin before him. During an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour at the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky voiced his discontent over Trump’s initial conversation with Putin and warned of the heightened risk if Trump were to meet with Putin in person before meeting with him.
While Trump has not committed to meeting Zelensky first, the Ukrainian president acknowledged that Trump recognized the urgency to hold discussions on concrete plans to end the conflict. Zelensky disclosed his substantive meeting with Vance in Munich, emphasizing his country’s stance against being left out of negotiations conducted without their involvement.
In his address at the security conference, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine would not accept agreements made without their participation and underscored the importance of Europe being included in the peace efforts. Referencing the conversation between Trump and Putin, Zelensky highlighted the absence of acknowledgment regarding Europe’s role in the discussions, expressing concern over potential exclusions.
CNN’s Betsy Klein, Samantha Waldenberg, Jennifer Hansler, Mariya Knight, Caitlin Danaher, and Niamh Kennedy contributed to this comprehensive report. For more CNN updates and newsletters, sign up at CNN.com.
