US Special Envoy: Europe Won't Have a Seat at the Negotiating Table in Russia-Ukraine Talks

US Special Envoy to Ukraine, Kurt Volker, has stated that Europe will not have a seat at the negotiating table in Russia-Ukraine talks. According to reports, Volker made this comment during his speech at the Munich Security Conference, where he also emphasized that the US will act as a mediator in the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

When asked about the possibility of European participation in the talks, Volker replied, 'I'm a realist. I don't think this will happen.' This comment has been met with criticism from European leaders, who have expressed their unwillingness to be excluded from the negotiations.

In a separate development, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto told reporters at the Munich Security Conference that without European participation, it is impossible to discuss or negotiate the future of Ukraine and Europe's security structure. He emphasized the need for European unity and action.

The US government has also made it clear that it hopes its NATO allies in Europe will take on a greater role in addressing regional security concerns.

In a shocking move, US President Trump announced earlier this week that he would be starting direct talks with Russian President Putin. This announcement has left European allies reeling.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concerns over the lack of 'security guarantees' in the mineral resources agreement proposed by the US. He stated that without such guarantees, Ukraine will not sign any agreement, and that the current proposal does not provide adequate protection for Ukraine's interests.

Zelensky also emphasized that any agreement with Russia must be linked to security guarantees. The Ukrainian president has been critical of the US proposal, which he believes does not address Ukraine's concerns.

According to reports, four US officials have revealed that the Trump administration is seeking a deal under which Ukraine would grant the US 50% ownership of rare earth minerals in exchange for military support and assistance. This move has raised concerns over the potential exploitation of Ukraine's natural resources.

Zelensky has also stated that once an agreement is reached with the US and Europe on ending the conflict, he will be prepared to hold direct talks with Russia.

In a surprise move, Trump announced earlier this week that he would be starting direct talks with Putin. The two leaders held phone calls with Zelensky, in which they agreed to work together to end the conflict. Trump tweeted afterwards that the US and Russia had agreed to 'start negotiating immediately'.

Russia's Defense Ministry reported on Friday that Russian forces had taken control of the Berestovo settlement in Donetsk region. Over the past day, Russian forces have repelled several Ukrainian attacks and launched multiple counter-attacks in various directions, including Kharkiv, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhia.

Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported that as of Friday afternoon, 176 battles had taken place on the front lines, with Ukraine forces repelling Russian advances in several directions. Ukrainian air force, missile defense units, and artillery have targeted Russian military personnel and equipment concentration zones.

This news comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, with both sides trading accusations of aggression.