Geopolitical negotiations often reflect military strength, and those who fail to invest in defense risk being left out of the conversation.
This is the reality facing Europe, according to Armin Papperger, CEO of the German defense giant Rheinmetall, who argues that the continent has been sidelined in discussions over Ukraine’s future.
Europe Excluded from U.S.-Russia Talks
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Papperger stated that Europe has been relegated to the “children’s table” while the United States and Russia hold direct negotiations about ending the war in Ukraine.
As reported by HotNews.ro, he blamed decades of underfunding in defense for Europe’s diminished influence.
“If you don’t invest, if you’re not strong, they treat you like children,” he said. “The U.S. is negotiating with Russia, and no Europeans are at the table—it has become very clear that Europeans are the children.”
Defense Spending Still Below Expectations
European defense budgets have increased significantly in recent years. Between 2021 and 2024, EU military spending rose by over 30%, reaching €326 billion, or approximately 1.9% of GDP. However, this is still well below the 5% target that U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded from NATO allies.
Papperger’s comments come amid frustration among European leaders, who were caught off guard by Trump’s recent decision to call Vladimir Putin and push for immediate peace negotiations—without consulting European nations or Ukraine itself.
As the war continues, European governments now face mounting pressure to increase military spending, strengthen their influence, and ensure they are not left out of key diplomatic decisions affecting Ukraine’s future.
