This is reported by RBK-Ukraine referencing Bloomberg. It is also noted by Kontrakty.UA.
Trump has abandoned the three-year U.S. policy that nothing regarding Ukraine should be decided without Kyiv at the negotiating table. However, he has also sidelined NATO allies in Europe, who are concerned about resolving the conflict raging on their borders and fear that a more conciliatory stance from America would equate to conceding ground to Putin.
According to one official, Europe did not receive prior warning about Trump's phone call with Putin.
During comments at the Munich Security Conference, others labeled this as "treason," expressing concerns that the U.S. is conceding key demands from Putin without receiving anything in return.
"In any negotiations, Europe must play a central role," stated EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas. Any agreement made without Europe "will not be long-lasting," remarked Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denies that Trump's call amounted to a betrayal of Europe, calling him "the best negotiator on the planet" and stating that the U.S. "recognized the incredible commitments" made by its allies. He said that a negotiated peace would "require both sides to acknowledge what they do not want."
"It is extremely important that once an agreement is reached, it does not fall apart," said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
European leaders emphasized the ongoing need for Europe to invest more in its own defense, a long-standing demand from Trump that has become relevant again given his skepticism towards the NATO alliance. Hegseth also reiterated calls for the alliance to increase spending to 5% of GDP.
In Europe, there have also been efforts to demonstrate to the Trump administration the full extent of their financial support for Ukraine: Rutte stated that in 2024, over half of the expenses would be covered by allies excluding the U.S.
Recall that Trump stated on February 12 that he directly communicated with Putin. According to him, they had a "long and very productive phone conversation," and they agreed to visit each other's countries and begin immediate negotiations to end the war.