In Munich, the US faced stiff opposition to its plans for Ukraine – The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal analyzes the failed attempt of the American diplomatic "blitzkrieg" in Munich. As a result of the discussions, the United States actually encountered tough opposition to its intentions to resolve the Ukrainian issue without Europe's presence at the negotiating table, but at its expense. In addition, the United States clearly told Ukraine that it has a place at the negotiating table with Russia.
"US officials have sought to reassure Ukraine that it will sit at the negotiating table with Russia after Volodymyr Zelensky warned his country would not accept a peace deal imposed on it from above.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told his Ukrainian counterpart Yermak that Washington has no intention of keeping him out of the talks and that it would be foolish to do so, according to diplomats who attended a meeting of G7 foreign ministers on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference," the article says.
Later on Saturday, the Trump administration's Ukraine envoy, Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, said Russia and Ukraine should negotiate directly, with the United States acting as a mediator.
"He sent a much harsher message to European leaders, declaring that he sees no place for them at the negotiating table. 'I don't think that will happen. Europe will not have a physical representative at the negotiating table on Ukraine ,'" Kellogg said at the Eighth Ukrainian Lunch on the occasion of the Munich Security Conference, organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation. He added that, nevertheless, Europeans can contribute to a solution to the Ukrainian issue.
"I'm telling you honestly what will happen. We looked at the Minsk II issue. There were a lot of people at the table, and they had no opportunity to join the peace process—it was unsuccessful. We will not repeat Minsk. I don't want to be specific, I mean, how do you define a table? You'll be sitting at the third table. You'll be sitting at the third table. What about these discussions? Yes. If it means physically sitting at the table, then no," Kellogg explained the White House's position.
European officials have begun preparing a response to the Trump administration. They argue that European funds will be needed to strengthen Ukraine's defense and rebuild the country.
The Trump administration has said it wants European troops on the line of contact to help enforce the peace deal, but no parliament on the continent is likely to approve the move unless Europe is given a chance to be a full player in peacemaking , European officials say.
"In a nutshell: Without Ukraine and without the European Union, there will be no credible and successful negotiations, no lasting peace," European Council President Antonio Costa said in Munich on Saturday.
According to Costa, a long-term solution to the conflict must be based on the recognition that "the Russian threat extends beyond Ukraine." He added that a ceasefire agreement that would allow Russia to resume hostilities against Ukraine in the future is unacceptable to the EU.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she would organise an emergency meeting of foreign ministers in Munich on Sunday for talks.
Leaders from France, Britain, Poland, Germany and other countries will meet in Paris tomorrow, Monday, to discuss what Europe can do to help ensure peace, officials said.
In recent days, some have suggested that, instead of playing a peacekeeping role by guarding the post-conflict border, European troops could perform other functions in Ukraine, such as conducting military training. This would allow Europeans to play a role if Russia were to attack Ukraine in the future.
To gain a seat at the negotiating table, Europe needs to formulate clear goals, including a vision of the European security system that should emerge after the war, the American publication points out.
"Europe needs to pull itself together. Europe needs to talk less and act more," said Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
In Munich , the US faced fierce opposition to its plans for Ukraine – The Wall Street Journal