Trump urges European role in Ukraine, halts NATO expansion
Donald Trump, the President-elect of the USA, in a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, suggested that European forces should monitor the ceasefire in Ukraine. According to the "Wall Street Journal," Trump also opposed inviting Ukraine to NATO.
During the conversation in Paris, Trump emphasized that he does not plan to send American forces to Ukraine but expects Europe to play a key role in supporting Kyiv. According to WSJ sources, Trump also stated—something he has often mentioned publicly—that he will not support Ukraine's membership in NATO, but noted that he wants a "strong, well-armed" Ukraine.
Trump lacks a concrete plan?
Trump also urged Europe to exert pressure on China, encouraging EU countries to influence Russia to end the war. The threat of imposing tariffs on Chinese products was considered a tool of pressure.
According to Trump's advisors, quoted by the newspaper, despite promises of a quick end to the war in Ukraine, the President-elect does not have a concrete plan to achieve this and has not given deep thought to the issue. The newspaper reports that key decisions will be made only after the president assumes power, possibly following his conversation with Vladimir Putin.
Decisions regarding Ukraine are expected after Trump takes office, possibly after a conversation with Vladimir Putin. In an interview with "Time," Trump declined to answer questions about talks with Putin after the elections, admitting that ending the war will be more difficult than achieving peace in the Middle East.
Western troops in Ukraine
Trump criticized the decision to allow Ukraine to carry out attacks inside Russia, calling it "stupid" and "crazy." Despite this, some of his advisors viewed this decision as potentially helpful in future talks with Russia. The Wall Street Journal emphasizes that the plan to place European forces in Ukraine is still in the early stages.
Macron had previously discussed the possibility of sending European troops to Ukraine, which was a topic of discussions with the United Kingdom. However, it is not clear which countries would participate in this initiative, and the mission would not be conducted under the aegis of NATO.
