German arms maker says EU is 'at kids' table' in discussions about Ukraine
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger stated that the EU is to blame for its marginalization in the Ukraine peace process.
TroibNews 
The EU should hold itself accountable for its exclusion from US-led Ukraine peace initiatives, according to Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, a prominent German arms manufacturer supplying military equipment to Kiev. In an interview with the Financial Times, he suggested that the bloc’s lack of investment in defense has led the US to perceive it less as an equal partner.
Papperger's comments come as EU frustration mounts over its sidelining during recent US-Russia diplomatic efforts. Following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, US President Donald Trump announced the immediate commencement of negotiations regarding Ukraine, prompting criticism from EU nations for not involving them.
The inaugural round of US-Russia talks began in Riyadh on Tuesday, led by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions are anticipated to focus on rebuilding bilateral relations, preparing for negotiations regarding Ukraine, and establishing the groundwork for a direct meeting between Trump and Putin.
The EU's dissatisfaction grew sharper when Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, indicated that European leaders might not be invited to upcoming peace talks.
“If parents have dinner, the kids have to sit at another table… The US is negotiating with Russia and no European is at the table – it has become very clear that the Europeans are the kids,” Papperger remarked.
He attributed this geopolitical dynamic to the EU’s hesitance to increase defense spending within the NATO alliance.
“If you don’t invest, if you’re not strong, they handle you like kids,” he pointed out.
NATO and the US have consistently urged European members of the bloc to raise their defense budgets, with demands reaching as high as 5% of GDP, while Trump has lamented the greater financial burden placed on the US.
In recent days, many EU nations have expressed their desire to be included in the Ukraine peace dialogue, with the Weimar+ group—comprising France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, and the UK—stating that “Europe must be part of any negotiations” affecting the security of the entire continent.
French President Emmanuel Macron convened an emergency summit of European leaders on Saturday to discuss Ukraine, aiming to balance the ongoing Russia-US talks.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
Papperger's comments come as EU frustration mounts over its sidelining during recent US-Russia diplomatic efforts. Following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, US President Donald Trump announced the immediate commencement of negotiations regarding Ukraine, prompting criticism from EU nations for not involving them.
The inaugural round of US-Russia talks began in Riyadh on Tuesday, led by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions are anticipated to focus on rebuilding bilateral relations, preparing for negotiations regarding Ukraine, and establishing the groundwork for a direct meeting between Trump and Putin.
The EU's dissatisfaction grew sharper when Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, indicated that European leaders might not be invited to upcoming peace talks.
“If parents have dinner, the kids have to sit at another table… The US is negotiating with Russia and no European is at the table – it has become very clear that the Europeans are the kids,” Papperger remarked.
He attributed this geopolitical dynamic to the EU’s hesitance to increase defense spending within the NATO alliance.
“If you don’t invest, if you’re not strong, they handle you like kids,” he pointed out.
NATO and the US have consistently urged European members of the bloc to raise their defense budgets, with demands reaching as high as 5% of GDP, while Trump has lamented the greater financial burden placed on the US.
In recent days, many EU nations have expressed their desire to be included in the Ukraine peace dialogue, with the Weimar+ group—comprising France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, and the UK—stating that “Europe must be part of any negotiations” affecting the security of the entire continent.
French President Emmanuel Macron convened an emergency summit of European leaders on Saturday to discuss Ukraine, aiming to balance the ongoing Russia-US talks.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
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