Kushner's European security plan fails to win over Europe
An opaque proposal from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump for a new European security arrangement involving Russia has met skepticism in European capitals. They fear it could sideline the continent and embolden the Kremlin.
European governments are reacting with skepticism to a proposal from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump for a new security arrangement covering the whole of Europe and including Russia. Diplomats and officials in Brussels fear the initiative could push Europe out of decision-making and embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin. The proposal emerges as Trump increases pressure on Ukraine and Washington tries to revive long-stalled talks to end Russia's full-scale war.
What Washington is offering
On Thursday evening, after meeting Putin's envoy Kirill Dmitriev, Trump spoke of a "big, beautiful agreement" that he said could involve more than Ukraine, possibly all of Europe. Trump's son-in-law and envoy Jared Kushner listed five goals: permanent security consultations, reliable crisis communications, greater military transparency, reciprocal measures to reduce escalation risks, and an enduring framework for long-term European security and stability.
Three NATO diplomats say allies were not briefed on the plans in advance. One NATO diplomat called Kushner's meaning somewhat obscure and said Moscow would use any talks on future architecture to legitimize its arguments. A senior European official said there is nothing to object to on paper, but that officials suspect something else is going on.
Europe's response
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Friday that Europe already has a security architecture, in which NATO and the European Union have their own roles, and that Ukraine must be integrated into it. She noted that Russia keeps breaking the treaties underpinning it and that Putin has no veto over European security.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, after a meeting of the eight Nordic and Baltic countries, demanded that Europe have a seat at the table. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged caution about Russia's real intentions.
Stefan Kornelius, spokesperson for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, spoke of a new sense of urgency after the U.S. midterm elections. The issue is due to come up at an informal gathering of EU leaders in Dublin next week. U.S.-brokered working-level talks with Ukraine and Russia are scheduled for Nov. 10-11 in Abu Dhabi.
Some allies fear Washington may link the initiative to its review of American troop levels in Europe, expected in December.
