On February 14, 2025, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the possibility of increasing the number of American troops in Poland, citing the uncertainty of Ukraine's current borders. At a joint press conference with Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz in Warsaw, Hegseth noted that, in his personal opinion, the United States could increase its military presence in Poland, given the current situation.

There are currently about 8 American troops stationed in Poland. Hegseth stressed that Poland is a "model partner" and called on other European countries to follow its example in the defense sphere. He also noted that although the US military presence in Europe is currently significant, it cannot be assumed that it will last forever.

Earlier, on February 12, US President Donald Trump held telephone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which the parties announced their intention to immediately begin negotiations to resolve the Ukrainian conflict. Trump said that he had instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to lead the negotiation process.

However, Trump's statement did not mention European participation in these talks, raising concerns among EU leaders. The foreign ministers of Ukraine, France, Britain, Spain, Italy, Poland, Germany, as well as the EU's foreign policy chief, stressed the need for both Ukraine and the EU to be involved in possible future talks to end the war. They pledged their commitment to achieving a "just, comprehensive and sustainable peace" that "guarantees the interests of Ukraine and its European allies."

In response to this, the press secretary of the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov, noted that Russia's main counterpart in this process is the United States, and suggested that the Europeans discuss the issue of their participation in the negotiations with Washington. He also emphasized that Ukraine will participate in the negotiations.