“Politico” writes that European leaders fear that Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin may reach an unfavorable truce agreement that will weaken all of Europe.
European leaders are seeking to agree on a tripartite aid package for Ukraine to secure the strongest possible position in negotiations on a possible ceasefire. The package includes increasing funding and arms supplies to Ukraine, as well as imposing new sanctions on Russia.
The publication pointed out that in addition to arms supplies to Ukraine, the European Union is close to an agreement on two other key points of its support: the 19th package of sanctions, which will hit Putin’s military budget, and the seizure of frozen Russian finances to unlock about 140 billion. euros for Ukraine.
“Kyiv’s allies took firm action again after Trump changed his position once again: he expressed his support for the freezing of the conflict on the current front line, although less than a month ago he explained that Ukraine could regain all its territories,” the publication emphasized.
Trump’s shift in stance has revived fears that he might force Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi to hand over to Russia regions it has targeted. According to European officials, such an outcome would be a disaster not only for Ukraine, but also for the entire continent.
Diplomats expect Zelenskiy to address European Union leaders in person or via video conference at Thursday’s summit to secure their support.
Citing sources, the publication said some EU leaders would campaign for Zelensky to attend the Trump-Putin meeting and any talks to end the war.
As the publication explained, the main fear in Europe is that Mr. Trump will again support Mr. Putin in deciding what the peace process will be and will put pressure on Mr. Zelensky to accept Russia’s terms, which could lead to the handing over of the eastern territories of the country. Diplomats are concerned that the recent conversation between Putin and Trump has weakened the latter’s willingness to help Zelensky.
EU diplomats are skeptical of V. Putin’s willingness to start peace talks. Many see his proposal for a new meeting with Trump as another attempt to stall.
Negotiations in Budapest
In a recent phone call, Trump and Putin agreed to meet in Budapest to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. After that, V. Zelenskyi resolutely declared that he was ready to join this meeting.
After some time, D. Trump began to repeat the old Russian narrative that in order to end the war, Ukraine must hand over all of Donbas to Russia.
Yesterday, V. Zelensky stated that Ukraine, together with its allies, has come closer to the end of a possible war with Russia, primarily due to the efforts of US President Donald Trump.
