Transatlantic Rift Deepens as Europe Prepares for New Crises with US

European leaders remain wary of renewed US-Russia dialogue, fearing they will be sidelined in negotiations that impact Europe's security

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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As the US seeks to strengthen ties with Russia and broker a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, European leaders are growing increasingly concerned about being left out of the negotiations. While some European countries like France and Italy are calling for resumed dialogue with Moscow, others are preparing to bolster their defenses against potential new crises with the Trump administration.

Why it matters

The widening transatlantic rift poses challenges for Europe's security architecture, as the US pursues a Russia policy that may not align with European interests. European leaders fear being sidelined in high-stakes negotiations that will shape the future of the continent, leading them to take steps to assert their own influence and prepare for potential new conflicts with Washington.

The details

The US Secretary of State's conciliatory tone at the Munich Security Conference was met with a mixed reaction from European leaders, who remain wary of the Trump administration's overtures to Russia. While the US is leading talks between Moscow and Kyiv aimed at securing a ceasefire, European representatives are absent from the negotiating table, sparking debate about the wisdom of resuming direct dialogue with Russia. France and Italy are defending the need for Europe to be involved in these talks, fearing they will be marginalized in a process that will have major implications for European security.

  • The Munich Security Conference took place in February 2026.
  • Talks between the US, Russia, and Ukraine were held earlier in February 2026 in Abu Dhabi.
  • The next round of talks is scheduled to take place in Geneva in the coming days.

The players

Marco Rubio

A US Senator whose speech at the Munich Security Conference received thunderous applause from some in the audience, suggesting a warming of relations between Europe and the Trump administration.

Emmanuel Macron

The French President, who visited Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin just over four years ago, before the Russia-Ukraine conflict erupted.

Vladimir Putin

The Russian President, who has been in dialogue with the Trump administration and is leading negotiations with Ukraine, but without the direct involvement of European representatives.

Donald Trump

The US President, who has strengthened his relationship with Vladimir Putin and is organizing talks between Moscow and Kyiv.

Vladimir Medinsky

A staunch conservative and adviser to Vladimir Putin, who will be leading the Russian negotiating team in the upcoming Geneva talks.

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What they’re saying

“Just over four years ago, before the Russia-Ukraine conflict erupted, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin. The leaders of both countries sat at opposite ends of a huge white table, where they held what turned out to be a rather unproductive conversation. This table became a symbol of the enormous distance between Russia and the West, which froze its ties with Moscow shortly after the conflict erupted.”

— El Pais (El Pais (Spain)

“While the focus in Abu Dhabi was on ceasefire proposals, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that the Geneva talks would address "a broader range of issues," including territorial and other demands put forward by Moscow.”

— Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman (The Guardian (UK)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.