US to Lead Ukraine Peace Talks, Europe not Included in Initiative
The United States, under the leadership of the Trump administration, is taking the helm in efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, with a focus on prioritizing American interests and encouraging European allies to step up their regional responsibilities, Al Jazeera reports.
General Keith Kellogg, the US envoy for Ukraine, addressed a global security conference in Munich, outlining the administration’s approach. He confirmed that while Ukrainians will be central to the discussions, the US intends to lead the negotiations, reflecting a broader strategy of focusing American resources on key priorities like border security and competition with China.
“The United States has other priorities,” Kellogg stated, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to addressing pressing domestic and global challenges. “We are encouraging our European allies in NATO to take primary responsibility for the region.”
In a proactive move, the US has circulated a questionnaire to European capitals, seeking concrete proposals for security guarantees for Kyiv. This initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to fostering a collaborative approach, while also encouraging Europe to take a more active role in ensuring regional stability.
President Trump recently engaged directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin to initiate discussions on a swift resolution to the conflict, signaling a decisive approach to bringing both sides to the negotiating table.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has welcomed the US initiative, urging European nations to contribute meaningfully to the peace process.
“To my European friends, I would say, get into the debate, not by complaining that you might, yes or no, be at the table, but by coming up with concrete proposals, ideas, ramp up [defence] spending,” Rutte stated.
France is reportedly exploring the possibility of convening an informal meeting of European leaders to coordinate their response and contributions to the peace efforts.
Kellogg indicated that the talks could address potential territorial concessions from Russia and strategies to limit Putin’s oil revenues.
“Russia is really a petrostate,” he noted.
