In a move that has angered many European leaders, US Special Presidential Envoy Keith Kellogg made a statement during the Munich Security Conference that has sparked significant controversy.
Kellogg told European leaders they would be excluded from the upcoming Ukraine-Russia peace talks, while encouraging them to contribute to the discussion without expecting a final say on the resolution.
European Leaders React to Exclusion from Peace Talks
Kellogg’s words at the conference quickly ignited fury among European leaders who expressed concern about being left out of crucial negotiations regarding the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron was one of the first to react, calling for an emergency summit with European leaders to discuss the situation.
Macron’s emergency meeting is set to take place in Paris on Sunday, as Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski confirmed.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also voiced the urgency of the matter, stating that Europe could not afford to wait.
“Europe urgently needs its own plan of action concerning Ukraine and our security,” Tusk said.
“Otherwise, other global players will decide our future without us, and that may not align with our interests.”
Zelensky Urges Europe to Strengthen Its Own Defense
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who also spoke at the Munich Security Conference, issued a stern warning to European leaders about their exclusion from the peace talks.
He stressed that Europe needed to build its own defense capabilities, as relying solely on financial resources would not be enough to stop any enemy threat.
“The time has come to create an armed forces of Europe,” Zelensky said.
“It’s not just about money; it’s about people realizing they need to defend their own homes.”
He emphasized that decisions about Europe should be made within Europe itself, and not dictated by external powers.
Zelensky and Trump’s Controversial Phone Call
Zelensky’s comments appeared to reference a phone call between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Following their conversation, Trump had hinted that the two leaders might meet to discuss a potential peace deal.
Zelensky expressed concern that such negotiations could happen without Ukraine’s involvement, calling it a dangerous precedent.
“Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs,” Zelensky stated firmly. “And the same rule should apply to all of Europe.”
He went on to criticize Trump for not mentioning Europe’s role in the potential peace talks, saying that America should not make decisions for Europe without involving the continent.
The Call for a Stronger European Military Force
Zelensky also called for greater European unity in defense matters, pointing out that three years of war have demonstrated the necessity of a united European military force.
He clarified that his proposal was not intended to replace NATO, but rather to ensure that Europe’s contribution to international security was on par with that of the United States.
“We already have the foundation for a united European military force,” Zelensky explained.
“This isn’t about replacing NATO, but about making Europe’s contribution equal to America’s.”
Kellogg’s Assurance on Ukraine’s Sovereignty
In response to these tensions, Kellogg reiterated the US stance on the conflict, assuring that any peace deal would guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and ensure a permanent ceasefire.
He emphasized that a resolution could be reached within weeks or months, despite the controversy surrounding the peace talks and Europe’s exclusion from them.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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