Europe's worst nightmare closer to reality after Trump's call with Putin

Move for US-Russia talks on ending Ukraine war breaks consensus among Western govts

- Jonathan Eyal Global Affairs Correspondent

BRUSSELS - Key European governments have reacted with alarm to news that US President Donald Trump unilaterally agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin to start negotiations for a ceasefire in the Ukraine war - talks that Europe is excluded from and which are sure to impose a heavy price on Ukraine.

"Our shared objectives should be to put Ukraine in a position of strength. Ukraine and Europe must be part of any negotiations," the foreign ministers of seven European countries, including Britain, France and Germany, said in a joint statement on Feb 13.

The Europeans were responding to news that Mr Trump had what he termed "a lengthy and highly productive phone call" with the Russian leader on Feb 12, and that the two had decided to have their "respective teams start negotiations immediately" on an end to the Ukraine war.

Mr Trump's move shatters the consensus that existed among Western governments since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb 24, 2022.

And it comes after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had bluntly told his European counterparts at a Feb 12 meeting in Brussels that America was no longer "primarily focused" on European security, and that Europe would have to take the lead in defending Ukraine.

Mr Hegseth, however, insisted the next day that Mr Trump's attempts to negotiate a peace deal are not a betrayal of Ukraine.

Earlier this week, US officials had indicated that Mr Trump would not unveil his plans for Ukraine until the Americans discussed the details with their European allies.

The discussions were meant to occur at the Munich Security Conference, which starts on Feb 14 in the southern German city. This is the top annual defence gathering of European and US officials.

The US President has also announced whom he has chosen to lead the American delegation in the talks with the Russians.