European leaders are set to convene an emergency summit in response to growing concerns that the United States is advancing peace talks with Russia in a way that could sideline Europe.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, expected to attend the summit in Paris, described the moment as a “once-in-a-generation” test for national security and emphasized that Europe must take a greater role in NATO.
The urgency follows remarks from Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, who stated that while European leaders would be consulted, they would not be directly involved in negotiations between the U.S. and Russia on ending the war.
High-level meetings are already planned, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials set to meet Russian negotiators in Saudi Arabia in the coming days.
While U.S. officials insist Ukraine has been invited to the talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has denied receiving an invitation—heightening fears that Ukraine itself may be excluded from shaping its own future.
Kellogg suggested that prior diplomatic efforts had failed because too many parties were involved, adding:
“It may be like chalk on the blackboard, it may grate a little bit, but I am telling you something that is really quite honest.”
His comments have reignited concerns in Kyiv and across Europe, particularly regarding the fate of previous European-led peace efforts, including the 2015 Minsk agreements, which sought to broker a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia but ultimately failed.
Sir Keir sees his role as bridging the divide between the U.S. and Europe to ensure a unified approach to peace in Ukraine.
He is scheduled to meet President Trump at the White House later this month, where he plans to convey European leaders’ perspectives. A follow-up meeting with Zelensky and European leaders is expected upon his return from Washington.
Reaffirming Europe’s commitment to Ukraine, Sir Keir underscored the need for NATO unity, stating:
“This is a once-in-a-generation moment for our national security, where we must confront today’s geopolitical realities and the threat posed by Russia. Europe must assume a greater role in NATO as we work alongside the U.S. to secure Ukraine’s future and face down Russian aggression.”
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski confirmed that French President Emmanuel Macron called for the European summit, though France has not yet officially announced it.
Sikorski characterized Trump’s negotiation style as:
“A method the Russians call reconnaissance through battle—push, observe the reaction, and then adjust. This is a legitimate tactic, and we need to respond accordingly.”
With tensions rising over the direction of U.S.-Russia talks, European leaders are now racing to assert their influence in shaping Ukraine’s future, wary of being sidelined in a deal that could reshape the balance of power in Europe.
