Several NATO allies emphasized Thursday that Ukraine and Europe must be central to any peace negotiations with Russia, following signals from U.S. President Donald Trump that he intends to hold further discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Why It Matters
Trump’s comments have reignited concerns within NATO about Ukraine’s role in any potential peace settlement between Kyiv and Moscow. European allies argue that any exclusion of Ukraine from talks risks undermining its sovereignty and security. Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s assertion that NATO membership for Ukraine is unrealistic has fueled further debate over the West’s long-term commitment to Kyiv.
Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP Photo
What to Know
U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey warned against overlooking the broader threat Russia poses.
“Let’s not forget, Russia remains a threat well beyond Ukraine,” Healey said after Washington indicated that Ukraine should not expect NATO membership and that Europe should assume greater responsibility for its security.
“There can be no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine. And Ukraine’s voice must be at the heart of any talks,” Healey added during a press briefing at NATO headquarters in Brussels, where defense ministers from the alliance’s 32 member states convened for discussions on Ukraine.
European nations accounted for roughly 60 percent of military support to Ukraine last year, according to Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson.
Hegseth’s remarks to Ukraine’s Western allies on Wednesday suggested Kyiv should temper expectations about reclaiming all its occupied territory and instead consider a negotiated settlement enforced by international troops.
Meanwhile, Trump said after separate conversations with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that he would “probably” meet with the Russian leader soon, potentially in Saudi Arabia.
Harry Nakos/AP Photo
What People Are Saying
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson said: “It’s very natural that we’re engaged into the discussions.”
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said: “We have to be there. So there is no question about it. Otherwise, this peace will not be long lasting.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a post on X Wednesday, said: “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.”
What’s Next
With NATO divided over the scope and nature of support for Ukraine, European nations face increasing pressure to define their role in any future negotiations. Trump’s suggested meeting with Putin raises further questions about how U.S. policy toward Ukraine may evolve.
The outcome of these diplomatic maneuvers could have lasting implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty and European security.
This article contains reporting by The Associated Press
