The first officially announced phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has sparked concerns among European foreign ministers.
In response, the foreign ministers of France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Poland, Germany, the European Union, and Ukraine have issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to supporting Ukraine and ensuring a just and sustainable peace.
European nations and Ukraine must be involved in any negotiations regarding the war. The possibility of separate US-Russia talks that bypass Kyiv and European allies raises serious concerns. The ministers remain committed to maintaining Ukraine’s position of strength in any peace process and will continue supporting the country until a just and comprehensive resolution is achieved.
Trump’s Call with Putin Raises Alarm
Trump’s conversation with Putin lacked any reference to Russian aggression against Ukraine or its broader actions against Western nations. Following the call, Trump merely informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of its outcome and announced the formation of a negotiating team to engage with Russian officials. This development heightens European concerns that the US administration may be shifting its stance on the war without consulting key allies.
Trump has suggested that security guarantees for Ukraine and peace efforts in Europe should be primarily the responsibility of European nations, further unsettling European leaders. He did not consult or inform European heads of state about his discussions with Putin, despite previous US assurances that any Ukraine-related peace initiative would be coordinated with European allies.
Strategic Shift in Washington?
A shift within Trump’s administration is becoming evident, where those advocating for a reduction in military support for Ukraine and direct negotiations with Russia seem to be gaining influence. Trump’s decision to exclude his special representative for ending the war in Ukraine Keith Kellogg from the list of officials leading future negotiations raises additional questions about the administration’s strategy.
This approach risks paving the way for negotiations favouring Moscow’s terms, potentially undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. Underestimating Russia’s long-term objectives would be a mistake, as Moscow’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine to exerting influence over Central and Southern Europe.
European Reactions and Historical Parallels
European leaders have responded with deep scepticism. Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt has compared Trump’s call with Putin to the 1938 Munich Agreement, in which British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and French Premier Édouard Daladier conceded to Nazi Germany’s demands without consulting Czechoslovakia. Bildt suggests that Trump’s approach may be even more concerning, as it legitimises Russian demands before negotiations have even begun.
Regardless of historical comparisons, Europe and Ukraine must assert their role in any future peace talks. European diplomats are now focused on ensuring that the interests of Ukraine and its allies are not sidelined in any US-Russia discussions.
Trump’s administration must recognise the risks of engaging with Putin on Russia’s terms. While Trump has often praised the Russian leader, ignoring the strategic threats posed by Moscow’s ambitions would be a dangerous miscalculation.
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Donald Trump’s Conversation with Vladimir Putin Raises Concerns Over Ukraine and Global Security