Europeans defy Trump’s wrath: there can be no discussion of security whilst Putin’s war is ongoing

Brussels. Until Vladimir Putin puts an end to his war against Ukraine, the European Union has no intention of discussing Europe’s future security architecture with Russia, even if the Donald Trump administration is demanding it. “Any meaningful discussion on Europe’s security architecture can only begin once a ceasefire has been reached in Ukraine,” said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen yesterday, after Jared Kushner had announced his intention to address the issue in Abu Dhabi. Trump’s negotiators risk underestimating the Europeans’ determination not to let Putin dictate the terms.

In the negotiations resuming today in Abu Dhabi – albeit in a different room – Europe is also present. National security advisers from France, Germany, the United Kingdom and, ultimately, Italy too have been invited. The EU delegation will be led by von der Leyen’s chief of staff, Bjoern Seibert. The Europeans will be consulted on the sidelines of the meeting between the Americans, Russians and Ukrainians. “President Trump is determined to put an end to this horrific war,” wrote the president’s son-in-law – who is leading the negotiations alongside property developer Steve Witkoff – on X. “We are working hard to find a negotiated solution that can guarantee lasting peace and create the conditions for a sovereign, secure and prosperous Ukraine within a more stable European security framework.”

Kushner acknowledged that “reaching a comprehensive and lasting agreement will also require direct engagement between Russia and our European partners on the broader security arrangements that concern them”. His reference to “a broader multilateral process” is viewed favourably by the EU. The principles and mechanisms outlined by Kushner – regular consultations, reliable communication in the event of a crisis, greater military transparency, as well as respect for the sovereignty and decision-making autonomy of each country – could also be acceptable to Europeans. But with the invasion of Ukraine, it was Putin who violated existing agreements – such as the Helsinki Accords – and who scuppered the mechanisms in place prior to 2022 – such as the NATO-Russia Council.

Europeans fear that Trump may strike a deal with Putin behind their backs, not only on Ukraine but also on the continent’s security architecture. The discussion “must take place in the appropriate forums, in particular with NATO allies and EU member states”, said von der Leyen. The Europeans’ move is risky, but considered necessary. The conditions set by von der Leyen for discussing Europe’s security architecture with Russia are intended to encourage Putin to agree to at least a ceasefire. Refusing to discuss this before an end to the conflict could provoke Trump’s wrath against Europe. Furthermore, the 27 EU member states and the 32 NATO member states have not yet agreed amongst themselves on what the red lines and demands for Russia should be in negotiations on the security architecture. “The Europeans are all over the place,” a diplomat explained to Il Foglio.

On the issue of support for Ukraine, the EU faces another problem, this time entirely internal. Friedrich Merz has issued an ultimatum regarding how the EU intends to continue supporting Kyiv financially. In a letter to the President of the European Council, António Costa, the German Chancellor has threatened to block an agreement on the EU’s 2028–34 budget if certain Member States request to be exempted from contributing to the effort to plug a €70 billion budget shortfall. Last year, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic secured an exemption from contributing to the €90 billion loan. This year, Bulgaria has joined them. Costa has promised to “leave room for discussions on Ukraine” at Friday’s informal European Council meeting in Dublin.