Trump and Putin in a cozy session: Is there a ceasefire in the Vatican?

Trump and Putin in a cozy session: Is there a ceasefire in the Vatican?

Before his election, US President Donald Trump promised to end the conflict in Ukraine within 24 hours. This promise remains unfulfilled as talks on a possible ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia intensify. After a recent phone call with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, Trump expressed optimism about an imminent ceasefire. Loud oe24 The conversation was optimistic, and Trump plans to start negotiations in the Vatican.

Putin confirmed that Russia was ready in principle to draw up a “memorandum” with Ukraine to prepare a peace agreement. This document could serve as the basis for a settlement and ultimately a ceasefire if the conditions are right. Putin emphasized the need for both sides to show maximum willingness for peace. This dialogue came on the heels of the first events between delegations from both countries in over three years and signals a possible clash of diplomacy to halt ongoing violence.

Suspicion of blackmail and geopolitical tensions

Reactions to the contact between Trump and Putin vary in Europe: Christoph Heusgen, former chairman of the Munich Security Conference, expresses concerns that Trump is seeking a “deal” with Putin whose intentions are viewed as questionable. Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who is taking part in EU discussions, warns that Putin may just be buying time and the aggression will remain bankrupt on the basis of these intergovernmental negotiations. Manfred Weber, CSU MEP, also warns that Russia is not seeking real peace.

International reactions and the role of the Vatican

Following the phone call, European heads of state and government as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also spoke to Trump on the phone, which indicates the high level of explosiveness and the serious pressure that Europe is exerting regarding the negotiations. These international discussions were certainly not without influence on the planned memorandum, which could lay the foundation for a peace settlement. While Trump mentions the Vatican as a possible venue for negotiations, European countries have announced that they will further increase pressure on Moscow through sanctions.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed gratitude for Trump's commitment to a ceasefire and emphasized the importance of American support in this crisis. The path to a possible turnaround could therefore be paved by joint efforts and closer coordination between the EU states and the USA to find a solution to the Ukraine conflict.