Trump’s political solo on peace in Ukraine outraged Europe. The Munich security conference and the telephone conversations that the American president held the day before clearly outlined the new realities for Europeans. What seemed unshakable yesterday – the transatlantic alliance and shared values with Washington – is now under threat. The return of Donald Trump can change not only US policy, but also the very architecture of European security.
Three years ago, Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke about “turning point” in response to Russia’s aggression. Now this concept takes on a different meaning: Europe must protect not only Ukraine, but also itself – from autocracy – and not only in the East, but also, perhaps, across the Atlantic.
Before the opening of the Munich conference, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin talked about ending the war – but not on Kyiv’s terms, but on their own terms. In Europe, it was perceived as a frank blow to the back of Ukraine, agreeing with the fact that Trump’s further conversation with Zelenskyi did not change the essence of these intentions.
Meanwhile, the closest ally of the American president, JD Vance, said in Munich that democracy in Europe is in danger. At the same time, he deliberately turned a blind eye to problems with far-right forces such as the AfD. To the Germans, his position seemed as absurd as the advice to fight fire with fire.
Publication of the media group Editorial Network Germany they write that Trump is a factor of chaos and discord. After all, Trump’s people no longer share the democratic values that the United States once defended itself. Trump disregards international law by making claims on foreign territories. It humiliates minorities, undermining the very foundations of human rights. He displaces migrants who work and fill the budget with a disregard for both humanity and common sense. It is unstable. And he sows division.
Europe reacts to the political game of the USA
In Europe, they are beginning to understand the need to form one common position regarding what is happening around Ukraine, and not to speak in hundreds of different voices. Narratives of unity have been increasingly heard over the past three days. There are also initiatives to gather and talk about everything that worries Europeans today.
France is organizing an emergency summit on Ukraine to strengthen European unity in response to US policies under Trump. Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, confirmed, that French President Emmanuel Macron is calling EU leaders to Paris. One of the main topics will be Trump’s policy towards Ukraine, in particular the issue of war and possible US diplomatic moves.
Poland, which currently holds the EU Council presidency, insists that Europe must show unity and readiness for decisive action. Sikorsky emphasized that the meeting will discuss how Europe can contribute to the peaceful settlement of the conflict, in particular by ensuring a stable peace. Who exactly will participate in the negotiations has not yet been specified.
During a discussion with colleagues from Great Britain, Germany and France, Sikorsky warned against providing security guarantees that have no real force. “There is nothing more dangerous in international relations than empty promises”, he noted. According to him, such guarantees can lead to false hopes and force one of the parties to take a risky position.
Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk on February 15 wrote on the X social network that Europe needs its own action plan regarding Ukraine and its security. If this does not happen, the future of the continent will be determined by other global players. He also emphasized that these “other players” can make decisions that will not necessarily take into account the interests of the European Union.
“A peace that is capitulation will be bad news for everyone”
French President Emmanuel Macron called for caution in the approach to peace talks regarding Ukraine, stressing that “a peace that is surrender will be bad news for everyone“. In an interview Financial Times, published on Friday, he asked the main question: “Is President Putin willing to sincerely, steadfastly and realistically agree to a ceasefire on such terms?“
Macron emphasized that only Ukraine has the right to negotiate with Russia on issues related to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also emphasized that Europe should take an active part in shaping the continent’s future security architecture, as this issue cannot be resolved without taking into account the EU’s position.
“It is the international community, with a special role for Europe, that must define security guarantees and new security rules for the entire region. This is where we have to play our part“, said Macron.
At the same time, the President of France expressed concern about Donald Trump’s rapprochement with Vladimir Putin, stressing that peace negotiations cannot take place without the participation of Ukraine and European countries.
“When peace comes to Ukraine, Russia will focus on the Arctic and the border with Finland”
An authoritative European online publication writes about it Euractiv, referring to the opinion of the Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo. The politician called on the leaders of the European Union to meet as soon as possible to agree on a common position on peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. In an interview with Euractiv during the Munich conference, he emphasized that no agreement can be reached without Ukraine and Europe, as the EU is a key player in matters of security, post-war reconstruction of Ukraine and its potential membership in the EU.
Orpo admitted that Donald Trump’s direct call to Vladimir Putin did not come as a surprise to him and many European politicians. However, he emphasized that the negotiations cannot take place only between the USA and Russia, because it is a complex process that requires a joint decision of all involved parties. He also confirmed that he had already discussed the possibility of holding an extraordinary meeting of the European Council with its president Antonio Costa, stressing the need to form a single European position on the peace process.
The Finnish prime minister expressed concern that Russia may focus on Finland if the war in Ukraine ends, but assured that the country is not afraid and is ready for any challenges. He reminded that Finland has 1,340 km of common border with Russia, which is not only the border between the two countries, but also the dividing line between Russia and NATO.
At the same time, Orpo emphasized that Finland has a strong national defense, which is part of NATO, and is actively strengthening its military cooperation with the United States and other allies. He supports increasing NATO’s military presence in Northern Europe, as he considers it important for the stability of the entire region.
The Finnish prime minister also commented on the Trump administration’s position on Europe, stressing that the US should perceive the EU as an equal partner, because European countries play a key role in both security and economic relations between the two continents.
Speaking about the future of peace in Europe, Orpo emphasized that security arrangements cannot be revised, and the stability of the continent depends on the strengthening of European defense. He emphasized that Ukraine should remain an independent, sovereign state with the right to join the EU and NATO, if it so desires.
Finland, which recently joined NATO, continues to strengthen its defense capabilities and common security policy with its Western partners. Orpo is sure that peace in Europe is possible only under the condition of a strong and consolidated Europe, which is able to respond adequately to modern security challenges.
Only because of Trump?
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged The US should not impose an agreement to end the war in Ukraine without the participation of Kyiv and European partners, stressing that such actions could undermine trust and stability in the region. British Defense Minister John Gealy stated, that negotiations without the participation of Ukraine are unacceptable, as they ignore its sovereignty and national interests. European diplomats and politicians also warn that unilateral actions by the US could repeat historical mistakes, when key decisions were taken without taking into account the position of stakeholders, leading to destabilization and new conflicts.
European leaders insist that peace talks regarding Ukraine should take place with the participation of Kyiv and European countries to ensure a fair and lasting settlement. In a historical context, they are reminiscent of the Munich Agreement of 1938, when democratic states tried to appease the aggressor through territorial concessions, which eventually led to a larger war.
