Former President Trump's efforts to mediate peace between Ukraine and Russia have sparked concerns among European allies, particularly regarding their potential exclusion from the negotiation process. Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, suggested at a security conference in Munich that a smaller, more focused approach to negotiations might be necessary for quicker results, potentially sidelining European involvement.

Kellogg emphasized the need for a streamlined process, aiming for a resolution within "days and weeks." He argued that excessive input could hinder progress towards a swift agreement. This perspective follows Vice President JD Vance's critique of European domestic policies at the same conference, where he expressed concern over what he perceived as a decline in fundamental values rather than external threats.

These remarks have reportedly left European leaders apprehensive about their role in the peace process and the future of U.S. military support for the continent. Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir expressed concern over Kellogg's statements, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine and Europe's participation in the discussions. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna echoed this sentiment, advocating for stronger European action in response to the U.S. approach.

French President Emmanuel Macron has reportedly called for an emergency meeting with European leaders in Paris to address these concerns, focusing on the potential exclusion of European countries from the Ukraine-Russia peace talks. Attendees are expected to include NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, along with leaders from Germany, Italy, the U.K., and Poland. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while planning to attend the meeting, underscored the importance of maintaining a unified European and U.S. alliance.

Despite the initial concerns, Kellogg later clarified that European interests would be considered in the negotiations, emphasizing the U.S.'s role as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg encouraged European leaders to actively contribute concrete proposals and increase defense spending to strengthen their position in the peace process.