Europe Steps Up Funding for Ukraine, Demands Voice in Peace Talks
Europe has significantly increased its financial and military support for Ukraine, now providing the bulk of aid after a sharp decline in contributions from the United States. This surge in European funding comes as concerns grow within the EU over being excluded from key peace negotiations led by the US and Russia, and as Ukraine prepares for another round of talks with Russia.
According to Radosław Sikorski, a Polish official, European Union countries have collectively spent over €200 billion supporting Ukraine, with a further €90 billion pledged. He estimates this level of funding could sustain Ukraine’s defense for approximately two more years. “It’s getting a little strange. We pay for the war and we don’t even always have the full information,” Sikorski said.
Sikorski emphasized that Europe is making “real money” investments, including purchasing US weapons for Kyiv, and therefore deserves a greater role in shaping any potential settlement to the conflict. His comments reflect a growing sentiment within the EU that its financial commitment warrants a stronger voice at the negotiating table.
The shift in financial burden comes after US President Donald Trump announced the initiation of peace negotiations in Ukraine one year ago, on February 12, 2026, following phone calls with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, recent talks between the US, Russia, and Ukraine have proceeded without European participation, fueling anxieties within the bloc.
Sikorski dismissed Moscow’s assertions of inevitable victory, stating that Ukraine is inflicting substantial losses on Russian forces while the Kremlin depletes resources crucial for its war economy. He pointed out that Russia has yet to fully capture the Donbas region, despite ongoing efforts.
Amidst these developments, Sikorski also urged Europe to bolster its own defense capabilities, expressing concerns about a potential reduction in US military presence on the continent. “Europe should get serious,” he concluded.
Restoring Contacts with Russia?
Recent discussions have emerged within Europe regarding the potential for re-establishing contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin. French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested the possibility of such a conversation “in the coming weeks.” Following this, Macron’s chief diplomatic advisor, Emmanuel Bonne, reportedly visited Moscow for confidential meetings with Russian leadership.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also stated that the EU remains open to negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, but rejected the notion of pursuing “parallel channels” of communication.
Next Round of Negotiations
On February 13, 2026, Dmitry Peskov, press secretary for Russian President Vladimir Putin, announced that the next round of trilateral talks is scheduled to take place on February 17–18. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already approved the composition of Ukraine’s delegation for these negotiations, which will be held in Geneva. The Russian delegation will be led by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to Vladimir Putin who has previously represented Russia in talks with Ukraine.
The upcoming negotiations represent a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, as Europe seeks to assert its influence and secure a seat at the table alongside the US and Russia.
