EU Excluded from Ukraine Peace Talks, Rheinmetall CEO Says

European countries have been sidelined in the US-Russia peace talks on Ukraine due to their insufficient defense investment, according to Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall. Papperger criticized Europe for under-investing in defense, likening the situation to children being excluded from the adults' table. The US and Russia have commenced negotiations in Saudi Arabia, with neither Ukraine nor European countries invited, sparking concern over potential agreements being reached without their involvement. Trump's administration has excluded Europe from direct talks, despite acknowledging that their interests would be considered. Papperger emphasized that Europe's reliance on the US for security has resulted in its current marginalization in global security discussions.