WASHINGTON (AP) — The approach taken by President Donald Trump to end Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has raised concerns among European allies and Ukrainian officials, who fear they are being left out by the new U.S. administration as direct negotiations between Washington and Moscow are being planned. As the conflict in Ukraine continues for its third year, Trump is dispatching Secretary of State Marco Rubio, national security adviser Mike Waltz, and special envoy Steve Witkoff to Saudi Arabia for discussions with Russian counterparts, as revealed by a U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity due to not being authorized to publicly discuss the upcoming diplomatic efforts. The level of involvement of Ukrainian and European officials in the talks expected to occur in Riyadh in the coming days remains uncertain, with the official noting that the negotiations are still in the early stages and subject to change in terms of participants. In a statement to reporters on Sunday, Trump mentioned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “will be engaged” in the negotiations without providing further details. This diplomatic outreach follows recent remarks by top Trump advisers, including Vice President JD Vance, that have raised apprehensions in Kyiv and other European capitals about a swift resolution to the conflict with minimal input from Europe. Zelenskyy emphasized during his speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday that a new era in transatlantic relations is dawning, signaling a shift in dynamics that Europe needs to adapt to. White House officials countered suggestions that Europe has been excluded from the dialogue, noting that Trump has recently spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron and is set to confer with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Vance held discussions with European leaders during his visits to Munich and Paris, asserting that consultation with Europe is indeed taking place. Rubio, currently in Israel before departing for Saudi Arabia, stressed the cautious approach the U.S. is taking in reengaging with Moscow following the Biden administration’s restrictions on contacts with the Kremlin post the February 2022 invasion. Trump’s phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week led to an agreement to initiate high-level talks to end the conflict, with Ukraine now confirmed to have a seat at the table, although the exact timing remains unclear. The participation of Ukrainians in the forthcoming talks in Riyadh is yet to be confirmed, with a Ukrainian delegation reportedly in Saudi Arabia to facilitate a potential visit by Zelenskyy. Starmer emphasized in an op-ed for Monday’s Daily Telegraph that Ukraine must be actively involved in negotiations about its future to counter Putin’s narrative that Ukraine is not a legitimate nation. Additionally, he brought up the U.S.’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, highlighting the importance of considering the consequences of such actions.
President Joe Biden expressed concern over avoiding a situation similar to what occurred in Afghanistan, where direct negotiations between the U.S. and the Taliban bypassed the Afghan government. Opposition leader Starmer also speculated that President Trump would want to prevent such a scenario. Trump suggested that Russian President Putin may be interested in reaching a deal, highlighting Russia’s historical military prowess. Heather Conley, a former U.S. official, noted Trump’s initiative to establish a new international order centered on major powers. There are differing opinions within the administration on engaging with Moscow, with some advocating for a quick reconciliation while others are cautious of Putin’s intentions to weaken alliances.
Trump mentioned his desire for Russia to rejoin the Group of Seven, lamenting their suspension after the annexation of Crimea. The U.S. has been pressuring Ukraine to grant access to rare earth minerals in exchange for military aid, a move opposed by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy due to concerns over national security. The White House criticized Zelenskyy’s decision, arguing that the mineral deal would strengthen ties between Ukraine and the U.S., contrary to Russia’s interests.
During his recent visit to Europe, U.S. official Vance stirred controversy by addressing issues such as free speech and illegal migration, warning European leaders of potential public backlash if they do not adapt. Vance’s meeting with far-right politician Alice Weidel in Germany raised eyebrows, prompting European officials to reassess their strategies in response to the evolving U.S. policy on Ukraine. French President Macron will host a gathering of European nations in Paris to address these pressing matters.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated on Sunday that discussions on the next steps for Ukraine were underway. Barrot emphasized the sense of unity prevailing in Europe, likening it to a strong gust not experienced since the onset of the COVID pandemic. The information was reported by Kinnard, who was reporting from Chapin, South Carolina. Contributions to the report were made by Associated Press writers Darlene Superville in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Jill Lawless in London.
