German Defense Minister warns US against concessions on Ukraine before talks begin
Photo: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
Germany warnes the United States against potential concessions regarding Ukraine even before official negotiations begin. Berlin also insists that Europe must be involved in the negotiation process, The Guardian reports, citing German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
In particular, the German Defense Minister made the statement at NATO headquarters in Brussels ahead of a meeting of defense ministers from Alliance member states.
Pistorius believes that if Russian President Vladimir Putin is truly interested in peace, he must stop attacking Ukraine. At the same time, the Minister expressed doubts about Putin's intentions.
Pistorius also emphasized that Europe must take part in any negotiations regarding Ukraine, especially if Trump expects European allies to play a peacekeeping role in any future agreement, as proposed by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Furthermore, the German Defense Minister stressed that "it would have been better if the US had not given concessions to Russia before the negotiations even started" referring to Ukraine’s NATO membership or any potential territorial losses. In his view, a quick peace deal will not solve all problems, and Europeans would not be just able to “sit back and relax.”
Pistorius was also asked who should represent Europe in negotiations on Ukraine. He suggested Germany's participation but stated that others should make that decision while insisting that Europe must have a voice at the negotiating table.
In her turn, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that Europe must be involved in any potential peace talks. She emphasized that peace in Ukraine is only possible if the country’s sovereignty is guaranteed.
Trump’s peacekeeping proposals
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that he wants to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible. He has emphasized that he wants to bring Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table.
On Wednesday, February 12, Trump held a phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, during which they discussed the war in Ukraine. The US President did not rule out meeting with Putin, possibly in Saudi Arabia.
Trump also had a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. After these conversations, the American leader told reporters that the US considers Ukraine’s NATO membership "impractical." However, Trump promised to continue supporting Ukraine, possibly altering the nature of that aid.
The UK commented on Trump’s phone calls, reminding that Ukraine must be at the center of any negotiations.
