The Washington meeting on Ukraine was a successful test for the Transatlantic Alliance, Politico notes in his article.
According to the report, European leaders arrived in Washington with the fear that Donald Trump would be aligned again with Vladimir Putin and push Volodimir Zelenski in the direction of an unfair and dangerous compromise.
Having this suspicion, Kir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Mertz canceled what they had on their schedule and moved to Washington by air to form a “shield” around Zelenski, wanting to protect him.
But this time, things were different.
Zelenski wore a suit satisfying Trump’s desire for dedication to types of nobility and He handed a letter from his wife, Oleni, to Melania Trumpin which she praised her for the fact that she had raised the issue of the 20,000 abducted Ukraine children.
These elements gave another tone. The words measured, restrained and diplomatic are not usually associated with Trump, but this time he displayed these three properties in front of the cameras at a press conference with the Ukrainian leader, while journalists asked questions that could divert the climate to attempt to find the climate.
But neither of them fell into the trap.
In fact, Trump appeared almost protective against Zelenski.
When asked about Ukraine’s accession to NATO and security guarantees, Trump categorically replied that nothing had yet been decided, stressing that this is a matter for discussion with European leaders, who were certainly watching anxiously. The two men exchanged nods and Zelenski carefully avoided pressing publicly for NATO membership during a meeting with reporters.
Overturn to the security front
And why do it? He had just heard Trump offer what many observers see as a milestone: a serious public proposal for US security guarantees to Ukraine under a future peace agreement with Russia.
“There will be a lot of help in security issues. There will be a lot of help. It will be good, ”Trump said and reiterated that the US would provide Ukraine a” very good security guarantee “if someone had not heard it for the first time.
He also said that European countries will be the first line of defense, but that does not mean that they will be alone: “European countries will bear much of the weight. We will help them and ensure security, ”he said.
Europeans greeted this US public commitment to participate in a NATO press For Ukraine as a “important progress”.
Of course, all this remains vague, and it seems unlikely that the US would want to send army or weapons. However, the discussion is now turning to security mechanisms, recognition, information and Large equipment agreements.
Whatever Trump now plans, he seems more serious than his earlier vague statements, that is, Putin will simply comply with an agreement or not attack because the US has interests in the minerals of Ukraine.
Concern in the Kremlin
This most serious approach to security guarantees is causing concern in Moscow, which reiterates the known requirements for NATO forces in Ukraine.
It is no strange, then, that Zelenski described his meeting with Trump as “the best to date” as he entered the White House’s eastern wing to meet European leaders.
Ever since Trump was re -elected president, both Ukrainians and Russians have been trying not to cause his anger and to display each other as the obstacle to peace. Trump did not waste time and contacted Putin to let him know that the pressure is now on security guarantees.
Direct phone call with Putin
In an extremely unusual move, Trump interrupted his conversation with European leaders to talk to Putin for about 40 minutes. The President of Finland, Alexander Stubbhe told CNN that the decision to call was co-ordinated with European leaders and that Trump was “trying” the idea of a bilateral meeting of Zelenski-Putin.
According to Russian state media, Yuri Usakov, a Kremlin adviser, said Putin thanked Trump for the Alaska Summit on Friday and expressed his support for continuing direct talks between Ukraine and Russia.
Trump, in fact, seeks to proceed with a bilateral meeting with Putin, and then with a trilateral with his own participation. This could happen Even before the end of the monthbut there are signs that Russia can try to put obstacles.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has warned that it would not accept the development of military power from NATO countries in Ukraine, saying it would have “unpredictable consequences”.
Moscow does not seem to believe that Trump has rejected such an idea.
It is almost certain that the Kremlin was unhappy and when he heard Trump repeat Zelenski’s position that the starting point for anyone Territorial negotiations should be based on existing front lines – and not beyond them. Putin is pushing for a settlement that will give him the zone that has not been able to occupy the eastern area of Donbas, a point that would give him the springboard for further attacks inside the country, but Trump made no mention of it.
“We also need to discuss possible soil exchanges, taking into account the current front line. That is, the war zone, the battle lines as it is today – quite clear, and in fact, very sad to look at them – and the trading positions, “Trump said.
The European side is well aware that Trump is unpredictable and considers nothing given. Mertz admitted that the process would now become more complicated. Before he arrived in Washington, Macron had already stated that he did not believe that Putin wants peace and that the only thing he is seeking is Ukraine’s complete tradition.
A British official reacted to the meeting saying that “there is still a long way for peace”.
But Putin will definitely not smile as self -sufficient as in Alaska on Friday.
“In summary, it was a bad day for Putin, with the Western unity renewing and the US returning to the allies,” the British official added.
Before this meeting, no one considered it for granted.
Source :Skai
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.