European Leaders Demand Role in Ukraine Peace Talks

European leaders are increasingly concerned about being sidelined in upcoming peace negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict, as the U.S. prepares to send a senior delegation to meet with Russian and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia. Amidst this backdrop, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for the establishment of an 'armed forces of Europe,' asserting that Europe can no longer rely solely on American support for its security. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for Europe to present credible proposals to secure a place at the negotiation table. French President Emmanuel Macron is set to host a summit of European leaders to discuss support for Ukraine and their role in these talks. The urgency of this situation has been heightened by U.S. President Donald Trump's recent overtures to Russia, which have alarmed European allies regarding their interests. The Munich Security Conference has served as a platform for these leaders to strategize their approach and assert their influence in peace discussions.