The annual three-day conference in Munich, Germany, has drawn global defense and security officials to deliberate on pressing international issues. This year, the future of Ukraine and peace talks with Russia are at the center of attention, alongside discussions on reshaping Europe's security and defense architecture. The gathering has highlighted differing perspectives on the role of Europe in negotiations and the new U.S. administration's influence on transatlantic relations.
Iceland's Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir voiced a palpable sense of trepidation among European leaders regarding the new U.S. administration. Frostadóttir remarked on the challenge of responding to uncertain signals from U.S. officials, stating, "It's difficult for leaders to be responding constantly to unclear comments." Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania's former foreign minister, echoed this sentiment by critically addressing Europe's exclusion from the negotiation table. He noted that Europe lacks significant contributions to present in negotiations, saying, "I understand the frustration that Europe is not at the table, but the reason why not is because Europe has very little to offer to the table."
Amidst these tensions, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg has suggested that a peace plan could emerge within days or weeks. Kellogg is actively working on behalf of Ukraine and allied nations in recent peace talks. He emphasized the urgency of progress, stating, "You got to give us a bit of breathing space and time, but when I say that, I'm not talking six months, I'm talking days and weeks." Kellogg also acknowledged the challenges faced by U.S. officials in engaging with European counterparts due to differing perspectives, admitting that "the U.S. has a 'problem only looking through their own lens,'" which leaves many unsure about American intentions.
Kellogg's statement aligns with President Trump's recent efforts to advance peace negotiations. Trump conducted separate phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reigniting hopes for a resolution to the conflict. However, Kellogg insists that Europe's involvement remains crucial for achieving lasting peace, asserting, "Of course they are. You can't do it at the exclusion of anyone." Top EU officials have also maintained that Europe must play a central role in any enduring peace agreement.
Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenković emphasized the importance of securing a peace deal that preserves Ukraine's territorial integrity. Meanwhile, Kellogg outlined a "dual-track" approach to the peace talks, with U.S. representatives engaging separately with Russia and Ukraine along with allied nations. Although Europe may not have a direct seat at the table, Kellogg assured that the region's interests would be considered throughout the process.
Despite Kellogg's assurances, Landsbergis expressed skepticism about Europe's potential involvement in meaningful negotiations. He suggested that if Europe were able to offer substantial resources such as troops or financial support, it could take a leading role in talks. "If we would be ready now to offer troops, money, integration to the EU, we could have our own table. We could be inviting Ukrainians and Putin and Trump and whoever to talk about the peace the way that Europe and Ukraine understand that," he stated.