Trump sparks fury as 'Europe excluded' from Ukraine-Russia peace talks
Share and Follow

European leaders were left angry after President Donald Trump’s representative declared that they would not be part of the Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations. This statement led Emmanuel Macron to request an urgent summit to address the situation.

Keith Kellogg, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, who is 80 years old, urged Europe to engage in discussions regarding the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. However, he made it clear that Europe’s involvement would not be decisive in reaching a final resolution.

‘That is not going to happen,’ he said at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. 

‘I would advise my European counterparts to actively participate in the dialogue by presenting practical suggestions and proposals instead of focusing on whether they will have a seat at the table. It is crucial to contribute with concrete ideas and consider increasing defense expenditures.’

Kellogg defended the US’ position to keep the meeting small, stating that last time the meeting included too many countries and no agreement was made.  

However, many European leaders are worried about being excluded from the conversation over fears the decision will directly – and negatively – affect their countries.

French President Emmanuel Macron, 47, is holding an emergency summit in Paris on Sunday with European leaders to discuss the matter, Polish Foreign Minister, Radosław Sikorski said.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said there is ‘no time to lose’ and leaders need to meet immediately to discuss a plan.

President Donald Trump 's envoy has sparked fury among European leaders after they were told they would ultimately be excluded from the Ukraine-Russia peace talks

President Donald Trump ‘s envoy has sparked fury among European leaders after they were told they would ultimately be excluded from the Ukraine-Russia peace talks

US Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg, 80, (pictured with JD Vance) has encouraged Europe to join the conversation about the Ukraine-Russia conflict, but ultimately said they won't have a final say in the resolution

US Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg, 80, (pictured with JD Vance) has encouraged Europe to join the conversation about the Ukraine-Russia conflict, but ultimately said they won’t have a final say in the resolution

Zelensky warned President Trump not to deal with Vladimir Putin 'behind our backs' when it comes to Ukraine's future

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, 47, who spoke at the conference, had warned European leaders that they would more than likely not get a spot at the negotiation table.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, 47, who spoke at the conference, had warned European leaders that they would more than likely not get a spot at the negotiation table.  Zelensky warned Trump not to deal with Vladimir Putin ‘behind our backs’ 

‘Europe urgently needs its own plan of action concerning Ukraine and our security, or else other global players will decide about our future. Not necessarily in line with our own interest,’ he said. 

‘This plan must be prepared now.’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, 47, who spoke at the conference, had warned European leaders that they would more than likely not get a spot at the negotiation table. 

Zelensky also warned President Trump not to deal with Vladimir Putin ‘behind our backs’ when it comes to Ukraine’s future.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he said: ‘I believe the time has come to create an armed forces of Europe. Money alone will not stop an enemy assault.

‘It is not just about budgets, it is about people realizing they need to defend their own home.’

We need this so that ‘decisions about Europe are made in Europe,’ Zelensky added.

The Ukrainian leader was alluding to a phone conversation between Trump and Putin, after which the Republican president said the two would likely meet to negotiate a peace deal.

French President Emmanuel Macron, 47, is holding an emergency summit in Paris on Sunday with European leaders to discuss the matter

French President Emmanuel Macron, 47, is holding an emergency summit in Paris on Sunday with European leaders to discuss the matter

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said there is 'no time to lose' and leaders need to meet immediately to discuss a plan. 'Europe urgently needs its own plan of action concerning Ukraine and our security, or else other global players will decide about our future,' he said

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said there is ‘no time to lose’ and leaders need to meet immediately to discuss a plan. ‘Europe urgently needs its own plan of action concerning Ukraine and our security, or else other global players will decide about our future,’ he said

Kellogg is insistent the deal with make sure the ceasefire is permanent and that Ukraine will retain its sovereignty (pictured: Ukrainian soldiers)

Kellogg is insistent the deal with make sure the ceasefire is permanent and that Ukraine will retain its sovereignty (pictured: Ukrainian soldiers) 

Trump later assured Zelensky that he, too, would have a seat at the table to end the war that was sparked by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

‘Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement, and the same rule should apply to all of Europe,’ Zelensky said.

‘A few days ago, President Trump told me about his conversation with Putin. Not once did he mention that America needs Europe at the table. That says a lot.

‘The old days are over when America supported Europe just because it always had.’

Zelensky insisted that ‘three years of full-scale war have proven that we already have the foundation for a united European military force.’

And noting the presence of NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the audience, Zelensky explained that his idea ‘wasn’t about replacing the alliance.’

‘This is about making Europe’s contribution to our partnership equal to America’s,’ the Ukrainian leader said.

Kellogg is insistent the deal with make sure the ceasefire is permanent and that Ukraine will retain its sovereignty. 

The envoy expects a deal to happen within weeks or months. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
DRAFT 2025 big stories | firstcoastnews.com

Preview 2025: Top Anticipated Stories to Watch on First Coast News

From catastrophic natural events to the Los Angeles Dodgers clinching their second…
Patriots use rally to top Ravens after Lamar Jackson's injury exit

Patriots Mount Comeback Victory Over Ravens Following Lamar Jackson’s Injury Departure

BALTIMORE — The rest of the NFL may have enjoyed a brief…
Russia says Ukraine peace talks 'proceeding constructively,' as Kremlin launches deadly strike on Odesa

Russia Claims Progress in Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Escalating Tensions with Odesa Attack

In a recent update from the ongoing conflict, Kremlin envoy Kirill Dimitriev…
Baby-faced accused killers will be tried as adults after girl's murder

Juvenile Suspects to Be Tried as Adults in Connection with Girl’s Murder

Two teenagers from Florida, both startlingly youthful in appearance, are set to…
Chicago Ald. Matt O'Shea hosts South Side holiday breakfast to spread cheer, benefit Mt. Greenwood Special Recreation Association

Join the Joy: Ald. Matt O’Shea’s South Side Holiday Breakfast Supports Mt. Greenwood Special Recreation

A delightful event on Chicago’s South Side is capturing the city’s heart.…
Former classmate says suspect in Brown, MIT killings was ‘socially awkward’ and ‘angry’ during college years

Former Classmate Describes Brown and MIT Murder Suspect as ‘Socially Awkward’ and ‘Angry’ During College Years

A former schoolmate of the alleged shooter involved in the tragic Brown…
DOJ forced into Epstein files U-turn after Trump photos vanished

DOJ Backtracks on Epstein Files: Missing Trump Photos Spark Controversy

The Department of Justice recently found itself in a tricky situation regarding…
FILE - Wind turbines operate at Vineyard Wind 1 offshore wind farm off the coast of Massachusetts, July 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

East Coast Wind Projects Halted by Trump Administration

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Monday, the Trump administration announced a halt to…