BRUSSELS (AP) — On Thursday, several NATO allies emphasized the necessity of including both Ukraine and Europe in any future peace negotiations. This comes as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refuted claims that the United States is abandoning the war-torn nation of Ukraine.
European governments are expressing concern following the Trump administration's announcement of potential direct talks with Russia aimed at ending the Ukraine war without involving European nations. The administration also suggested that Kyiv should not join NATO and that Europe needs to safeguard itself and Ukraine against any future Russian actions.
U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey stressed the importance of Ukraine's involvement, stating, "There can be no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine. And Ukraine’s voice must be at the heart of any talks," during a gathering of NATO's 32 defense ministers at the organization's headquarters.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius asserted, “For me, it’s clear … that Europe must be involved in the negotiations — and I think that’s very easy to understand,” especially if Europe is to play a central role in establishing a peace order. He emphasized that Europe "will have to live directly" with the outcomes, making their involvement in negotiations essential.
Despite the ongoing discussions, Hegseth denied any betrayal towards Ukraine by the U.S. He remarked, “There is no betrayal there. There is a recognition that the whole world and the United States is invested and interested in peace. A negotiated peace.”
Hegseth also urged that the war in Ukraine should serve as a "wake-up call" for NATO's European allies to increase their defense budgets. While 23 of the 32 member countries met the guideline of spending 2% of their gross domestic product on national defense last year, a third still fall short.
French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu dismissed the debate over increased defense spending as "a false debate," noting that European governments are already enhancing military expenditures and supporting Ukraine against invasion.
Lecornu brought attention to NATO's future, questioning whether it will remain the "biggest and most robust alliance in history" over the next decade, given the U.S.'s shifting security priorities.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized that any agreement reached must ensure that the "peace deal is enduring" and that Putin understands this is the definitive end of his territorial ambitions in Ukraine.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson highlighted Europe's substantial military support to Kyiv, noting that European nations provided about 60% of the aid last year. He argued that Europe's involvement in discussions is crucial, especially given U.S. expectations for Europe to take more responsibility for Ukraine's long-term security.
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur underscored the European Union's role in imposing sanctions against Russia and investing in Ukraine's defense. He warned that Europe's participation is vital for ensuring lasting peace, stating, "We have to be there. So there is no question about it. Otherwise, this peace will not be long lasting."
Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.
