President Trump has made it clear that he is pushing for an end to the war in Ukraine. The move has left Europe worried that it, and Ukraine, could be left out as he negotiates with Russia’s leader, Vladimir V.

New US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to assume the role of backseat driver in his first in person meeting with European counterparts on Wednesday as the new Trump administration works to shift responsibility for Ukrainian and European security squarely to NATO and the EU.

President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin directly as his Defense Secretary said NATO membership for Ukraine was unrealistic.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and European defense ministers had expressed concern that they might not be present for talks between President Trump and Russia’s leader to end the war.

European stock markets rose on Thursday while gas prices fell after US President Donald Trump said talks with Russia would begin “immediately” to end the war in Ukraine. Germany’s Dax closed up 2.1 per cent and France’s Cac 40 gained 1.

Here is the full statement signed by a group of major European powers, including the Britain, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, and the EU High Representative: “We are ready to enhance our support for Ukraine.