Trump's surprising stance: European leaders react to Putin talks
European leaders, to whom Donald Trump recounted his conversation with Vladimir Putin, were surprised by what was agreed upon, as reported by the "Financial Times." According to the source's account, Trump does not seem prepared to apply pressure on Russia.
The newspaper highlights the contrast between Putin's cold demeanour and Trump's enthusiastic response. The "FT" highlights that although Putin has expressed willingness to collaborate with Ukraine on a memorandum related to future talks and a potential temporary truce, he still insists on addressing what he perceives as the root causes of the conflict.
The Kremlin interprets this to include, among other things, the demilitarisation and "denazification" of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Trump announced that talks between Ukraine and Russia will begin "immediately," but according to the "FT" he also suggested that he might withdraw from mediation, claiming that Russia and Ukraine must settle the terms of the agreement themselves.
Europe in shock after Trump's conversation with Putin
The "FT" reports, citing an insider source, that the leaders of Ukraine, the EU, Italy, France, Germany, and Finland, to whom Trump presented his conversation with Putin, were "shocked" by the description of what was agreed upon. An anonymous source added that Trump is not inclined to exert more pressure on Putin to compel him to engage in genuine negotiations.
According to the newspaper, there is concern in European capitals that Trump may strike a deal with Putin, acceding to his maximalist demands, thereby compromising Ukraine's interests in a rush to end the conflict.
Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that his conversation with Vladimir Putin went very well, and as a result, Russia and Ukraine will immediately commence negotiations for a ceasefire. However, he noted that the terms will be negotiated between the two parties.
Meanwhile, Russian leader Vladimir Putin described the conversation with Trump as "sincere and substantive." He emphasised that issues of ceasefire and principles for resolving the conflict could be included in the memorandum between Russia and Ukraine.
