The 90-minute phone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12, 2025, resulted in an agreement to "immediately" begin negotiations to end the war in Ukraine123. During the conversation, the leaders discussed a range of issues including the Ukraine conflict, Middle East concerns, energy matters, artificial intelligence, and the power of the U.S. dollar4. As part of this diplomatic initiative, both leaders extended invitations for mutual visits, with Putin inviting Trump to Moscow5.

This sudden diplomatic move follows the recent release of American teacher Marc Fogel from Russian custody, potentially signaling a thaw in U.S.-Russia relations. However, the announcement has raised concerns among European allies and Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealing to Western partners not to "abandon" Kyiv in any revived peace talks with Russia6. The bilateral nature of the talks and the exclusion of Ukraine from initial discussions have sparked debate about the future direction of the conflict and its potential resolution7.

To lead the negotiations on ending the Ukraine war, President Trump has appointed a high-profile team consisting of key administration officials12. The negotiation team includes:

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio

• CIA Director John Ratcliffe

• National Security Advisor Michael Waltz

• Ambassador and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff

This team of experienced diplomats and intelligence officials will be tasked with the complex mission of brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine, following the agreement between Trump and Putin to begin immediate talks34. Their appointment underscores the seriousness with which the administration is approaching these negotiations, bringing together expertise in foreign policy, intelligence, and national security.

The Trump administration's new approach to NATO and European security represents a dramatic departure from previous U.S. policy. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that NATO membership for Ukraine is "unrealistic" and ruled out U.S. troop deployments to secure any potential ceasefire1. This shift places greater responsibility on European allies, with Hegseth stating that "European allies must lead from the front" in addressing regional security concerns2. The administration's stance reflects Trump's long-standing criticism of NATO as containing "freeloaders" benefiting from American military strength without adequate investment in their own defense2.

Key aspects of this policy shift include:

• A call for all NATO allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP2

• Emphasis on NATO becoming "a stronger, more lethal force" rather than a "diplomatic club"3

• Rejection of NATO membership as a security guarantee for Ukraine1

• Expectation for European nations to take primary responsibility for regional peacekeeping efforts21

This new direction has raised concerns among European allies about the future of transatlantic security cooperation and the potential implications for NATO's collective defense commitments45.

European allies have expressed significant concerns about the Trump-Putin negotiations on Ukraine, highlighting the need for Ukrainian involvement and European participation in any peace talks. Key issues raised by European diplomats include:

• Insistence on Ukraine's agency in peace negotiations, with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stating, "Peace can only be achieved together. And that means: with Ukraine and with the Europeans."1

• Warnings against excluding Kyiv from high-stakes negotiations that could decide the future of Eastern Europe1

• Fears that Trump's approach might lead to an "unjust and unstable peace" or a U.S. withdrawal from the conflict2

• Concerns over potential "preemptive surrender" of Ukraine, as described by one European NATO diplomat3

• Unease about Trump's rapid decision-making process and the limited window for European influence on U.S. policy2

• Calls for a coordinated European proposal to convince Trump to take collaborative steps that reinforce Ukraine's security and respect sovereignty principles2

European leaders are urging for a united front in addressing the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the importance of transatlantic cooperation and the inclusion of all relevant parties in peace negotiations.