US President Donald Trump's recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin has sparked fears in Europe of a potential 'dirty deal' being negotiated to end the war in Ukraine on terms favorable to Moscow without involving Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed that Ukraine would not accept a peace deal brokered solely by the US and Russia, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine's involvement in any negotiations. Zelensky raised concerns over the lack of consultation with Kyiv before the phone call between Trump and Putin.
European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, cautioned against a rushed or unfair resolution to the conflict, stressing the necessity of including Europe and Ukraine in the peace talks. She highlighted that any peace agreement must have the participation of Europe and Ukraine for successful implementation.
European NATO members are facing increased uncertainty following Trump's call with Putin, as it potentially shifts the burden of funding and overseeing any settlement onto European nations. The US Defense Secretary indicated that European and non-European troops, rather than American forces, may be responsible for monitoring and enforcing an agreement between Ukraine and Russia.
Furthermore, there was a clear denial of Ukraine's immediate prospects for NATO membership, with Washington stating that it does not view Ukrainian accession to the alliance as a realistic outcome at present. However, a NATO official clarified that Ukraine's path to NATO membership remains unchanged and will be decided by the alliance when the time is deemed appropriate.
In summary, the recent developments in US-Russia relations and their impact on the Ukraine conflict have raised concerns in Europe about the potential implications of a peace deal negotiated without the full involvement of Ukraine and European allies.
