NATO Allies Commit Billions in US Arms for Ukraine While Pushing for Serious Peace Negotiations with Russia

Europe has found itself largely sidelined in US President Donald Trump's initiative to end the Ukraine conflict.

On Wednesday, NATO countries committed to purchasing hundreds of millions of dollars in additional US weapons for Ukraine, while Russian President Vladimir Putin was urged to cease his "bluster" and engage seriously in peace negotiations.

Foreign ministers from the 32 NATO member states convened in Brussels to discuss Washington's efforts to halt the fighting, though notably US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was absent from the gathering.

The meeting follows what appeared to be unsuccessful breakthrough attempts by US envoys during five hours of talks with Putin in Moscow regarding war termination efforts.

"It's positive that peace talks are ongoing, but simultaneously we must ensure that while they proceed—with uncertain timeline—Ukraine maintains the strongest possible position to continue its defense," stated NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

As part of strengthening Ukraine's position, Germany, Poland, Norway, The Netherlands, and Canada collectively pledged approximately one billion dollars to a program for purchasing American armaments for Ukraine.

Norway's Espen Barth Eide emphasized, "Ukraine needs to maintain its strength, and we, as allies in history's most successful and largest military alliance, must remain resolute and committed."

Europe has been largely marginalized in President Trump's push to end the conflict, and Rubio's decision to send a deputy rather than attend personally risked reinforcing this perception.

Multiple ministers indicated that Putin has shown no willingness to make concessions during discussions with American representatives.

British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper declared, "President Putin should stop the bluster and bloodshed, come to the negotiating table, and support a just and lasting peace for Ukraine."

Ministers also countered Putin's statements that while he doesn't seek conflict with Europe, he stands "ready" for war.

Finland's Elina Valtonen remarked, "This is rhetoric Russia employs to intimidate us, and we shouldn't take such statements too seriously. NATO and Europe possess very strong capabilities, which we're enhancing daily."