EU must brace for Trump walking away from Ukraine talks, Costa says
Photo: António Costa, President of the European Council (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump may withdraw from the negotiation process on peace in Ukraine. In that case, the European Union should continue Washington’s peace efforts, António Costa, the head of the European Council, said in an interview with EFE.
António Costa, commenting on the proposal by Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever to normalize relations with Moscow and resume imports of cheaper oil and gas, said that the EU must avoid undermining Donald Trump’s peace efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
"There may come a moment when President Trump decides not to continue or not to push forward his efforts, or, unfortunately, they may fail. Then we will have to be ready to continue the efforts and try to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine," the head of the European Council added.
He noted that the European Union’s main contribution at the moment is to increase economic pressure on Russia and to continue supporting Ukraine in all possible ways.
"But, of course, there may come a moment when we will have to replace President Trump’s efforts and take our own steps to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine," Costa said.
Shift in US priorities
On March 3, US President Donald Trump assured that ending Russia's war against Ukraine still ranks "very high" on his list of priorities.
However, a few days ago, the Financial Times reported that the US-mediated peace process had reached a deadlock.
The outlet noted that the war against Iran had effectively halted Washington’s participation in negotiations on Ukraine.
According to the FT, EU diplomats describe the situation as a “catastrophe,” as the shift in focus by the White House has already affected the defense capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine — with supplies of air defense systems and ammunition being delayed due to competition for these assets with other clients.
