Trump’s Envoy Signals Imminent Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal – But Europe May Be Left Out

The world may soon witness a turning point in the war in Ukraine, but questions remain about the process and consequences of an emerging peace deal. U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Keith Kellogg, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, suggested that a resolution between Russia and Ukraine could be finalized “within days or weeks.” While this development could bring relief to war-torn regions, tensions are rising over who gets a seat at the negotiating table.

Kellogg, representing President Donald Trump’s administration, emphasized the urgency of the negotiations. “I’m on Trump time,” he stated, signaling the administration’s fast-paced and direct approach. Rather than a broad multilateral effort, Kellogg outlined a “dual-track” strategy in which the U.S. is conducting separate discussions with Russia and Ukraine while keeping allies informed.

One of the most contentious aspects of the discussions is Europe’s limited role. While Kellogg assured that European interests would be considered, he made it clear that European nations may not play a direct role in finalizing the agreement. This uncertainty has frustrated several European leaders. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stressed that any peace deal must ensure Ukraine’s territorial integrity, while Iceland’s Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir voiced concern about the lack of transparency surrounding U.S. intentions. Former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis went further, suggesting that Europe’s exclusion reflects its lack of independent military and financial leverage.

Although specific details of the potential agreement remain undisclosed, Kellogg acknowledged that some level of territorial concessions from Russia could be included in the negotiations. This prospect has already raised alarm, as Ukraine has consistently refused to surrender any of its territory as part of a peace settlement. The possibility of land transfers will likely spark debate over the long-term impact such a deal could have on regional security and future conflicts.

Trump’s direct involvement in the negotiations has added another layer of complexity. In recent days, he engaged in separate conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At first, U.S. officials hinted at a possible bilateral deal between Moscow and Washington, raising concerns among allies. However, following pushback, Kellogg confirmed that Ukraine and other nations would be included in the talks, though Europe’s precise role remains uncertain.

The Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of world leaders to discuss global security, became a forum for strong reactions to the U.S. approach. Numerous European officials raised concerns about NATO’s role and the future of European defense policy in a scenario where the U.S. operates unilaterally. The European Union’s chief diplomat warned that a peace deal lacking meaningful European involvement could face significant challenges in sustaining long-term stability.

As diplomatic efforts accelerate, the coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether an agreement is truly imminent. However, the broader question remains: will this peace deal bring a lasting resolution, or will sidelining key international players create new tensions? With uncertainty still looming, the road to peace may prove as complex as the war itself.