Trump offers Putin decisive concessions before peace talks

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In the upcoming discussions between the USA and Russia in Saudi Arabia, which focus on the Ukraine conflict, Wladimir Putin is the focus of attention. The administration of Donald Trump has ended the international isolation of the Russian president, shaken the Western unity in dealing with the conflict and raised the question of how far the United States is ready to defend Europe. This marks a dramatic change of course to Putin and away from the traditional allies of the USA.

The concerns about Ukraine

statements that the United States could exclude its European partners from peace discussions - while security guarantees and troops are required by them at the same time - triggered concern in European capitals. France has called key persons for an emergency meeting in Paris. There are special concerns that Ukraine itself could not take part in the conversations that are decisive for their survival as a nation. Trump indicated that a meeting with Putin could take place "very soon" and reports in Florida that he is working hard to achieve peace between Russia and Ukraine.

The role of the USA in the peace negotiations

The US delegation is headed by Foreign Minister Marco Rubio, the national security advisor Mike Waltz and the Middle East Representative Steve Witkoff. Rubio explained that the Saudi host's talks are continuing a telephone exchange between Trump and Putin. He emphasized that a single call cannot bring peace and that real negotiations would be necessary. At the same time, he contradicted Trump's Ukraine Commissioner, Keith Kellogg, and emphasized that Ukraine and European nations have to be included in the peace process.

The uncertainty in Europe

The developing US policy shows that it is often unclear to be overwhelmed by Trump's initial rhetoric and his civil servants. Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski said in Munich that the call from Trump to Putin was a mistake that legitimized the Russian leader and weakened morality in Ukraine. He added that the European countries could be asked to provide troops, which underlines the need for an early commitment.

The challenges of NATO

The first signs indicate that the hard line of the Trump administration causes European managers to increase their defense spending and to take on a larger role within NATO. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signaled willingness to send British troops to Ukraine as part of a peace agreement. The discussions in Saudi Arabia also focus on the increasing importance of the kingdom in international relations.

Putin's advantages from the situation

Putin listens to news that indicated that his status is over as an international paria. The division, which Trump triggered within NATO, fulfills one of Russia's most important targets. As Alexander Gabuev noted from Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center, the extremely positive atmosphere in Moscow is "like Easter and Christmas in one day".

The reaction of Europe

The crisis in transatlantic relationships led to an informal meeting of President Emmanuel Macron with the leaders of Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark as well as the President of the European Council and the European Commission. While Trump's hostility to the post-war security policy agenda is a significant shift in US politics, the European countries have been vulnerable in their willingness to defend.

The outlook on future negotiations

Trump's unorthodox procedure in foreign policy bias risks, not only in terms of Ukraine, but also with regard to the conflict in the Gaza Strip. The connection between Trump and the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman could prove to be crucial to take new diplomatic ways. The American President must make the right decisions to protect the balance between the striving for peace and the security policy interests of the United States and its allies.

In a critical period for transatlantic relationships, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop and what effects this will have on relationships between the USA, Russia and Europe.