European leaders want a say in talks to end Russia's war in Ukraine. The US is brushing them off
apnews.com
French President Emmanuel Macron has called leaders from key European Union nations and the United Kingdom for an emergency meeting Monday.

Summary

European leaders met in Paris to address concerns over U.S. policy on Ukraine after Trump’s administration signaled a shift toward engaging Russia while sidelining allies.

Trump’s special envoy ruled out European involvement in Ukraine peace talks, prompting fears about NATO’s future.

Leaders, including Macron and Scholz, discussed boosting EU defense spending and potential security guarantees for Ukraine.

  • perestroika@lemm.eeEnglish
    12·
    4 days ago

    Go inform yourself.

    https://protectukrainenow.org/en/report

    • in weapons donations to Ukraine, the US has been bypassed by European NATO members
    • in economic assistance, the US was bypassed even earlier
    • Biden was somewhat cautious in assisting Ukraine
    • Trump did his best to block all that Biden tried in Congress (especially last spring)

    As a result, the word of the US weighs less now - but it still weighs a lot. If a settlement acceptable to Ukraine is found, great - Trump won’t have to find out that alternatives exist. However, it is my personal belief that negotiations will fail. Trump is a poor negotiator, Putin’s team is far more experienced and can bend their country around the czar’s decision. Meanwhile, Zelensky is competent and cannot back down - he will absolutely go shopping elsewhere (Europe for sure and China if he’s lucky) for solutions when he cannot sign the Trump-mediated outcome.

    What you likely know:

    • some European NATO members are poorly armed

    What you probably don’t know:

    • air forces of European NATO members considerably overshadow the Russian air force
    • the ground forces of Russia are in a sorry state, Ukraine has consumed them all
    • while most don’t, some European NATO members have weapons reserves suitable for a large war
    • while most don’t, a few European NATO members have their own nuclear weapons
    • several European companies are major weapons makers for the world

    Funny how the “European Peace Facility” now funds bullets and drones.

    When war has started, making an invader want peace requires weapons.

    Frozen Russian assets as collateral?

    Interests and dividends from frozen Russian money have already bought Ukraine weapons. If the situation is unresolvable, confiscating it for good and using it for Ukraine is a rational course of action.

    Trump didn’t break NATO—he just held a mirror to its rigor mortis since the Soviet collapse

    While you slept in a cave, NATO has been reviving itself since 2014. Read the stats.

    • meowmeowbeanz@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      2·
      4 days ago

      The arrogance here is palpable, but let’s dissect this with precision.

      First, your “inform yourself” opener reeks of condescension without substance. European NATO members surpassing the U.S. in aid? That’s not leadership; it’s desperation. They’re scrambling to patch the holes left by decades of underfunding and reliance on Uncle Sam. A belated effort doesn’t rewrite history.

      Biden’s “caution” is a laughable mischaracterization. His administration has greenlit billions in weapons and aid while pretending to tiptoe around escalation. It’s performative restraint masking reckless interventionism.

      Trump blocking aid? Convenient scapegoating. His actions were transactional, yes, but they exposed the rot in a system that Biden now doubles down on with no plan for sustainability.

      Zelensky turning to Europe or China? Fantasy. Europe is barely afloat, and China won’t bankroll a proxy war against its ally.

      Next time you play the role of geopolitical sage, try aiming higher than parroting talking points. Or better yet, take your own advice—inform yourself. Start with a mirror.