Trump's 'big and beautiful' European security plan fails to convince Europe
A vague Trump administration proposal for a new Europe-wide security arrangement involving Russia has met skepticism in European capitals, Politico reports.
European capitals are watching the White House with unease once again. An opaque Trump administration proposal for a new security arrangement covering Europe and involving Russia has been met with skepticism, Politico reports after speaking to 12 NATO diplomats, EU representatives and European officials, who asked not to be named.
On Thursday evening Trump spoke of a "big and beautiful deal" after meeting Putin's envoy Kirill Dmitriev, saying it would involve more than Ukraine and possibly all of Europe. Jared Kushner, Trump's envoy, listed five goals: permanent security consultations, reliable crisis communications, greater military transparency, reciprocal steps to reduce escalation risks and a lasting framework for long-term stability in Europe.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas replied that Europe already has a security architecture, with NATO and the EU each playing their roles, and that Putin has no veto over European security. According to three NATO diplomats, allies were not told about the US plans in advance. Some fear Washington could link the initiative to a review of US troop presence in Europe expected in December.
Lithuanian president Gitanas Nausėda said Europe must have a seat at the table. US-mediated talks between Ukraine and Russia are due in Abu Dhabi on 10-11 November.