Brussels (TDI): The European countries have warned the United States against finalizing any peace deal regarding the Russia-Ukraine war behind their backs. Ukraine also said that any agreement between Russia and the United States regarding its future will not be accepted without Ukraine’s approval.
The responses came after President Donald Trump announced that he had a phone call with his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, where the two discussed a peace plan for Ukraine. The phone call came shortly after the Defense Secretary of the United States, Pete Hegseth, addressed the Ukraine Defense Contract Group (UDCG) on Wednesday.
According to the United States Department of Defense, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the United States does not believe that NATO membership for Ukraine would be a realistic outcome of any negotiated peace settlement with Russia.
He also asked the NATO allies to increase their defense spending and take a leading role in providing for Ukraine and Europe’s security. At the same time, he made it clear that it would be an unrealistic objective to try to return Ukraine to its pre-2014 borders.
The statement issued by the Kremlin confirmed the discussion between the two Presidents. President Vladimir Putin, during the phone call, pointed out that it was necessary to eliminate the root causes of the Ukraine conflict, and agreed with Donald Trump that a sustainable settlement could only be reached through peaceful negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the United States and said,
“No negotiations with Putin can begin without a united position from Ukraine, Europe, and the US.”
He discussed the latest developments with the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
He said, “Ukraine must negotiate from a position of strength, with strong and reliable security guarantees, and that NATO membership would be the most cost-effective for partners. Another key guarantee is a serious investment in Ukraine’s defense industry.”
I spoke with Polish Prime Minister @donaldtusk. We discussed the conditions needed for a lasting and real peace in Ukraine and agreed that no negotiations with Putin can begin without a united position from Ukraine, Europe, and the U.S.
I informed the Prime Minister about my…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 13, 2025
On Wednesday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said,
“We believe that America’s strength, together with Ukraine and all our partners, is enough to push Russia to peace.”
I had a long and detailed conversation with President Trump. I appreciate his genuine interest in our shared opportunities and how we can bring about real peace together.
We discussed many aspects—diplomatic, military, and economic—and President Trump informed me about what… pic.twitter.com/flmigxqtbl
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 12, 2025
The European countries fear that the White House might make a deal with Russia without either including them or Ukraine. They criticized the United States for having unilateral discussions with Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict.
Kaja Kallas, the Vice President of the European Commission, said, “Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity are unconditional.”
Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity are unconditional.
Our priority must now be strengthening Ukraine and providing robust security guarantees.
In any negotiation, Europe must have a central role.
Our Weimar+ statement ↓ pic.twitter.com/PfdvQ4UND1
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) February 12, 2025
She further stated, “We shouldn’t take anything off the table before the negotiations have even started. Any deal behind our backs will not work. You need the Europeans; you need the Ukrainians.”
We shouldn’t take anything off the table before the negotiations have even started.
It is clear that any deal behind our backs will not work.
You need the Europeans, you need the Ukrainians.Extract from my doorstep ahead of @nato Defence Ministers meeting ↓ pic.twitter.com/udw0OiogPD
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) February 13, 2025
The Vice President of the European Union, Kaja Kallas, met with the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov. He assured her that the “Ukrainians are standing firm and will not give up their freedom and territory.” She assured him that “Europe will stand firm too and continue supporting Ukraine in their fight.”
This morning, I met with Minister of Defence of Ukraine, @rustem_umerov.
Minister Umerov assured me that Ukrainians are standing firm and will not give up their freedom and territory.
Europe will stand firm too and continue supporting Ukraine in their fight. pic.twitter.com/p7kPmrEbsi
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) February 13, 2025
The former US Ambassador raised a similar concern to Russia, Michael McFaul, who said, “If Ukrainians must let Russia occupy their lands, what do they get from Putin in return?” He suggested that President Donald Trump should propose concessions rather than freely handing over Ukrainian land to Russia.
If Ukrainians must let Russia occupy their lands, what do they get from Putin in return?
If Ukrainians must let Putin veto their membership in NATO, what do they get in return?
Trump & team should propose concessions for something in return, not just give them away for free.
— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) February 12, 2025
Whereas, Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the European Commission, in a joint statement, extended their support to Ukraine until a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace is reached. They also said that Ukraine and Europe must be part of any negotiations. A just and lasting peace in Ukraine is a necessary condition for strong transatlantic security.
It is important to note that Moscow still controls a fifth of Ukraine and has been slowly advancing in the east for months. The recent statement by the Defense Secretary of the United States, Pete Hegseth, and the phone call between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin have sent shockwaves through European capitals.
