European leaders are abuzz with curiosity following the announcement of an emergency meeting scheduled for Sunday. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy made it clear in an interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker that he stands firm in his position, stating that he would never accept any decisions made between the United States and Russia concerning Ukraine without the direct involvement of Ukrainian leadership. He emphasized that no global leader should attempt to strike a deal with Russian President Putin without the inclusion and consent of Ukraine.
Amid mounting concerns among European leaders that President Trump may be progressing towards a peace agreement with Putin that could potentially undermine the interests of Kyiv and broader European security, anxiety was fueled further by remarks made by Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, at the Munich Security Conference. Kellogg hinted that Europe might not have a significant role in the forthcoming peace talks, causing consternation among European nations.
The Elysée Palace, the official residence of French President Macron, confirmed the attendance of leaders from various European Union countries at the imminent meeting. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with the Presidents of the European Council and European Commission, and the Secretary-General of NATO are expected to participate. The proceedings are scheduled to commence at 3:45 p.m. local time (9:45 a.m. ET).
The agenda for the meeting remains speculative, with Finnish President Alexander Stubb proposing at the conclusion of the Munich Security Conference that European nations collaborate in appointing a special envoy to represent their collective interests in the broader negotiations involving the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine.
There is speculation that the discussions may focus on the security guarantees that Ukraine’s European allies can offer. France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs hinted at the possibility of deploying troops from France, Britain, and Poland – three of Europe’s largest military forces – to ensure a future ceasefire in Ukraine.
In a move demonstrating solidarity, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly affirmed his country’s commitment to deploying peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, as reported in the U.K.’s Daily Telegraph newspaper. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also expressed willingness to consider contributing to peacekeeping efforts should negotiations progress positively.
Despite reassurances from America’s chief diplomat, Rubio, that Ukraine and Europe would indeed be integral parts of any substantive negotiations, fears persist among European leaders of being marginalized in discussions related to security matters in their own region.
Following a recent phone call between President Trump and Putin, Zelenskyy was assured by Trump that Ukraine would have a seat at the negotiating table. Although Ukraine has not received an invitation to the initial talks set to commence in Riyadh on Tuesday, Zelenskyy announced plans to visit Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. He anticipates more clarity on the scheduling of a meeting with President Trump after Kellogg’s visit to Ukraine later in the week.
