Pistorius points to Trump's mistakes in talks with Putin regarding Ukraine
Photo: Boris Pistorius (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
US President Donald Trump has made mistakes in relations with Vladimir Putin - pressure on Moscow must be increased, Deutschlandfunk radio reports, citing German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
"I suspect he misjudged his negotiating position," Pistorius said.
In particular, Pistorius reiterated that Putin is still trying to buy time and is not genuinely interested in a ceasefire in Ukraine.
The German Defense Minister believes that the American President will eventually come to understand that Putin cannot be convinced solely through personal talks.
Pistorius noted that Trump dismissed the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO as a basis for negotiations. This, he said, was very damaging to future peace talks.
The Defense Minister stated that his expectations for the recent phone call between Trump and Putin were not particularly high, and in fact, were slightly exceeded.
According to Pistorius, nothing has really happened so far, aside from a proposed memorandum between Ukraine and Russia, and then possible talks in the Vatican may be considered. The German high-ranking official believes this will only allow Putin to continue his offensive in Ukraine.
At the same time, there is no peace in sight, and if Putin really wanted peace or a ceasefire, he could make it happen himself and sit down at the negotiating table, Pistorius added.
New sanctions
Pistorius called the new European Union sanctions against Russia a step in the right direction. However, he urged much tougher measures. While the recently adopted 17th sanctions package is already showing results, he warned against overestimating its impact.
Pistorius emphasized the need to significantly increase pressure on Moscow, particularly from the United States. The EU is already planning an 18th package of measures against Russia. According to him, Russia continues to receive excessive revenues from energy exports, which still flow into the state treasury.
Trump's conversation with Putin
Trump and Putin last spoke on the phone on May 19. Trump later claimed that, in his opinion, Putin was ready for a ceasefire in Ukraine. The Kremlin leader, however, remained reserved in his comments, calling the conversation useful.
Currently, there is a proposal under consideration for peace talks to be held in the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV is ready to host negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, according to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who expressed her gratitude.
