Rheinmetall's CEO: The EU finds itself at the "kids' table" in peace negotiations.

As Papperger stated in an interview with the Financial Times, Europe currently finds itself at negotiations initiated by the US and Russia, "at the kids' table."

"If you don't invest, if you aren't strong enough, you are treated like children," the industrialist declared. "When the parents are having dinner together, the kids must sit at a separate table. The US is talking to Russia, but there are no Europeans at the table—it has become completely clear that Europeans are like children," the publication quotes Papperger.

According to him, this situation is a result of EU countries neglecting to strengthen their defense and develop their military industry for decades.

Furthermore, the head of Rheinmetall expressed doubts that the current US efforts would be successful and would compel Russia to "stop shooting."

Representatives of EU countries, in light of recent statements and actions from the US administration, express concerns that Europe may not be represented at potential peace negotiations. The EU insists that, since the war is taking place in Europe and Ukraine is a candidate for EU membership, European countries must be present at any possible negotiations. Kyiv supports this demand; however, US representatives, while claiming that EU proposals will be heard, do not promise the EU a role as a participant in the negotiations.

Recently, representatives from leading EU countries discussed the possibility of increasing defense spending in Paris. The necessity for such an increase has been repeatedly emphasized by US President Donald Trump, and in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, most EU countries have agreed on its necessity.

Rheinmetall is actively cooperating with Ukraine, supplying ammunition and military equipment. According to a senior NATO official, James Appathurai, Russia had planned to assassinate leaders of the defense industry across Europe, including Papperger. Earlier, several media outlets reported that US and German intelligence services thwarted an assassination attempt on Papperger that was being prepared at the behest of Russian authorities in 2024.