Trump is not closer to Putin than to Europe, US ambassador to NATO says
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump does not favor Russian leader Vladimir Putin over America’s European partners. He wants to reach a peace deal and end the war in Ukraine, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said at the Berlin Security Conference, according to Ukrinform.
Trump does not favor Putin
Whitaker rejected claims that Trump was closer to Putin than to Europe. This was his response to remarks made by Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, President of the Conference and a Member of the European Parliament.
Whitaker said he categorically rejected that assessment, noting that while this might be the perception in Europe, it did not reflect reality.
Earlier, Strack-Zimmermann had said that Europeans were somewhat puzzled by the impression that the US president was closer to Putin than to Europe.
In response, the US diplomat stressed that Trump was trying to secure a peace deal to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Whitaker expressed certainty that Vladimir Putin is who he is, noting that while people might wish he were different or willing to agree to what everyone considers a reasonable deal, he will not agree to it.
The ambassador argued that this made it necessary to seek mutually acceptable terms for Ukraine and Russia.
He said that both sides needed to find terms they could accept, but this had proved extremely difficult, given that the war was in its fifth year following the 2022 invasion.
Criticism from Europeans
Whitaker also expressed frustration with Europeans’ constant criticism of the negotiation process. He said that what mattered most was the outcome.
According to him, the formal presence of European representatives at the negotiating table was less important than ending the war and establishing lasting peace.
At the same time, he added that Europe was already playing a meaningful role in the relevant consultations and in supporting Ukraine.
Whitaker noted that if Europe’s voice at the negotiating table could tip the balance, European representatives should be there.
Meanwhile, according to The New York Times, the Trump administration is pressuring Kyiv to reach a peace agreement with Russia that could involve territorial concessions in Donbas. In exchange, Washington is offering Ukraine potential economic benefits.
