By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Finnish President Alexander Stubb alerted European leaders to potential parallel negotiations between U.S. negotiators and Russia while talks were ongoing with Ukraine in Florida. This warning followed meetings between U.S. envoys, including Jared Kushner, and Vladimir Putin in Moscow, raising concerns among European officials. During the discussion, Stubb noted Kushner’s claim that a deal was nearly complete but hinged on Ukraine ceding territory, a prospect Kyiv strongly opposed. European leaders voiced worries about a potential U.S.-led agreement that would exclude them and stressed the importance of enforceable security guarantees for Ukraine and European control over frozen Russian assets.
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The Finnish president’s warning that the United States “likely” engaged in back-channel conversations with Russia while negotiating the fate of Ukraine has definitely set off some alarm bells across Europe. This isn’t just a matter of speculation; it’s a stark reminder of the complex and often murky realities of international diplomacy, especially when dealing with a figure like Donald Trump. The word “likely” may be doing a lot of work here, because the sentiment among many is, well, “of course they did.” It seems almost absurd to think that a U.S. envoy like Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would meet with Putin without the possibility of serious conversation.
The core concern here revolves around the potential for a U.S. foreign policy that prioritizes its own interests, which might conflict with those of its allies. Some suggest that under Trump’s leadership, the U.S. is more interested in securing access to resources and trade with Russia, even at the expense of Ukraine and, by extension, Europe’s security concerns. The fact that the U.S. signed a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine last year gives the impression of a commitment, but the reality is more nuanced. Many seem to be saying that the U.S. is not going to be especially helpful right now.
This leads to a call for Europe to take matters into its own hands. The idea is that the EU, with its combined economic and military strength, should step up and address the issue directly. Stop waiting on the U.S., they say, and chart your own course. There is the belief that Europe is more than capable of handling the situation, given their combined military and economic power. The idea is that by taking decisive action and helping their neighbor, Europe would show resolve and reduce its reliance on outside help.
The criticism towards the U.S. seems to stem from a feeling of betrayal and a lack of support. Trump’s perceived softness on Russia and his willingness to engage in secret talks, even while publicly negotiating with Ukraine, has eroded trust. Add to that the former president’s openly stated disdain for the EU, and you have a recipe for skepticism. There is also suspicion that the U.S. may be intentionally creating a situation that benefits itself, perhaps by fostering instability in Europe to push for the purchase of American military equipment or by simply using the situation to weaken the EU.
Moreover, the timing of such discussions and the individuals involved raise further questions. The fact that Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, met with Putin alongside Witkoff has generated scrutiny. The lack of transparency surrounding these meetings only fuels the suspicion of back-channel deals and the potential for the U.S. to undermine peace efforts in Ukraine. As if that wasn’t enough, some people are saying that these meetings are not for diplomacy, but for business.
The prevailing sense is that “likely” doesn’t quite capture the certainty of the situation. Some would say it’s more akin to a foregone conclusion. The sentiment is that Trump’s approach is not about finding a peaceful solution, but rather about pursuing his own political and financial interests, potentially at the expense of his allies. As such, the European leaders must acknowledge the situation and formulate their own plan for how to move forward.
The situation calls for Europe to assess its own position and decide how to act, whether that means going it alone, seeking new alliances, or applying increased pressure on Russia. The message is clear: Europe has to step up.