Europe concerned Trump may exit Ukraine negotiations - FT
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump (Getty Images)
European officials fear that US President Donald Trump will soon withdraw from participation in peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow. It is expected that he may use minimal progress as an excuse to declare his mission accomplished, according to the Financial Times.
After discussions with US representatives in recent days, European officials are convinced that Trump is ready to seize any opportunity, even a small breakthrough this week, to withdraw from the Ukraine negotiations.
Trump is prepared to take this step, even if it does not result in a long-term peace solution, according to four sources from the Financial Times. They added that this week coincides with the 100-day mark of his presidency, making this period potentially decisive.
One of the officials mentioned that Trump is setting up a situation where he can justify stepping back and leaving the problem for Ukraine and Europe to resolve.
Trump’s desire and Putin’s reluctance
The reluctance of Putin to agree to key demands from the US and Ukraine, such as the preservation of Ukrainian armed forces after the war, as well as the complexity of the conflict itself, have led Trump to reconsider his commitment to a peaceful resolution, the sources noted.
The publication adds that some US officials have started to worry that negotiations with Russia are yielding no results and have begun seeking ideas for a peace agreement that fits within Trump’s tight timeline. However, the US president's desire to end the war quickly conflicts with Russian President Vladimir Putin's firm stance.
Europe’s support
All of this has led some European countries to reconsider their strategy on engaging Trump in the peace process and instead focus on taking the right actions rather than what Trump wants, said one European official.
Meanwhile, Kyiv has begun preparing for a possible independent course, increasing its own weapons production and intensifying negotiations with European allies about future support.
It remains unclear whether the US will cease providing intelligence and military assistance to Ukraine if diplomatic efforts come to an end, the sources added.
US threats on negotiations
Regarding US threats to the negotiations, it was recently reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US could exit the peace process if no chances for a quick deal between Ukraine and Russia emerge soon.
Later, President Trump confirmed that the US could indeed stop participating in negotiations if one of the parties obstructs peace.
In recent days, the US president also stated that the next few days are going to be very important for negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine. The US is putting "great pressure on Russia" to reach a peace deal.
However, today the White House noted that Trump is "increasingly frustrated with the leaders of both countries" but still aims for a permanent ceasefire.
