Trump wants fast end to Ukraine war, raising concern across Europe - The Guardian
Donald Trump, President of the US (photo: Getty Images)
In Europe, there are fears that Donald Trump will demand that Kyiv give up territory for the sake of a quick victory. European diplomats are seriously concerned about the shift in Washington's rhetoric. The administration of Donald Trump may increase pressure on Ukraine as early as this fall, according to a report in The Guardian.
Read also: Putin sends his envoy to United States for talks with Trump’s team - Reuters
This fall, the US will hold midterm congressional elections, and Trump needs a quick result, the publication writes. European officials see this as a threat to Ukraine's sovereignty, as Washington may start acting more aggressively.
"You can see Trump’s team is running out of patience in Ukraine and wants a quick solution," said one European official on condition of anonymity.
The Guardian emphasizes that White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, may arrive in Kyiv this month. This would be their first visit since the start of the new peace initiatives.
They are expected to try to reset the dialogue. However, in Europe, this visit is viewed with caution. There is a risk that Kyiv will be presented with a fait accompli.
Another European official stressed:
"There was growing concern that Trump, eager for a geopolitical win before the midterm elections, could increase the pressure on Kyiv to cede territory it still controls in the Donbas, eastern Ukraine, which is Russia’s central demand in the talks."
Europe acknowledges that the situation in the Middle East has only worsened. The war in Iran has highlighted deep disagreements between the US and Europe. Such tension has not been seen since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022.
According to the officials surveyed, disputes and difficulties have arisen because the US is focused on Iran, and the resources available for supporting Ukraine are diminishing. Furthermore, Europe fears being left alone to face the Russian threat.
What is known about the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia
Ukraine will hear a lot of new things from the Russians in the next round of negotiations, said Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov. According to him, attacks on Russian terminals are affecting the negotiation process.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, responding to US Vice President JD Vance's remarks about bargaining over Ukrainian land, reminded Vance that he is not taking part in the trilateral negotiations. The President stressed that among the aggressor countries' goals is the occupation of Ukrainian territories, and that this goal has always existed in one form or another.
Zelenskyy also explained why Ukraine cannot take the next step in peace negotiations. It concerns security guarantees.
