European Leaders Demand Inclusion in Ukraine Peace Talks

European countries aim to be part of Ukraine's future peace negotiations, emphasizing the need for security guarantees to ensure lasting peace. A meeting in Paris discussed strategies to support Ukraine. However, a statement by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disrupted talks about potential negotiations with Russia.

European powers have called for inclusion in any future negotiations concerning Ukraine's fate, stressing the importance of security guarantees for lasting peace. In a statement, Britain, France, and Germany, among others, emphasized that peace talks should strengthen Ukraine and include Europe's active participation.

At a meeting in Paris attended by Ukraine's foreign minister and representatives from seven European countries, the focus was on defense strategy and aligning discussions for upcoming peace talks. The European partners are eager to engage with the U.S. on these issues at an upcoming security conference in Munich.

However, discussions were strained when U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that NATO membership for Kyiv is not foreseen as part of resolving the Ukraine conflict. This stance came alongside a call between President Trump and Russian President Putin, which caught European diplomats off-guard, raising concerns about transparency in the peace negotiations.

(With inputs from agencies.)