Europe's Struggle for Influence in Ukraine Peace Talks

European leaders express concern about being left out of U.S.-Russia peace negotiations over Ukraine, emphasizing the need for their involvement. They warn against agreements lacking European and Ukrainian participation and express apprehension over perceived concessions to Russia by the U.S. before talks commence.

European leaders warned the United States on Thursday against concluding a peace agreement on Ukraine with Russia without their involvement. This urgency arose following U.S. President Donald Trump's discussions with Vladimir Putin, where he announced the initiation of negotiations.

The announcement rattled European capitals eager for a prominent role in discussions, given the security implications of a potential settlement for the region. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that any agreement must include Ukraine and Europe, questioning perceived pre-negotiation concessions to Russia.

Despite the Trump administration's swift moves to engage with Russia, European officials, amid discussions in Brussels and Munich, underscored the importance of European involvement in providing security guarantees and implementation of any peace deal.

(With inputs from agencies.)