German media: Trump plays dangerous game as Putin tightens grip on Ukraine

German media offer no leniency after the phone conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Commentators emphasize that the Russian president aims to weaken Ukraine and draw it into his sphere of influence. Meanwhile, the U.S. president, perceived as acting similarly to a Russian agent, risks losing this political game.

Nikolas Busse from Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung notes that "Putin treats Trump like his agent." He writes, "The Russian president's goal is a weakened Ukraine, which he can reintegrate into his area of power." He stresses that America should not engage in this game, as it would be an unfavorable "deal" for them.

Putin may treat Trump like an officer handling his agent. The U.S. president breaks Kyiv's resistance for him and is supposed to achieve a similar goal with the Europeans, as much depends on them concerning military assistance, explains Busse.

Stefan Kornelius from "Sueddeutsche Zeitung" adds that the conversation between Trump and Putin did not yield concrete results, making the U.S. president part of a game he might lose. Kornelius stresses that Trump must understand that his notions of pace and doing business mean little in Putin's world.

Mareike Mueller from "Handelsblatt" assesses that the phone conversation between Trump and Putin did not bring a breakthrough and only compromised the U.S. president. Mueller notes that a 30-day pause in attacks on energy infrastructure is not equivalent to a comprehensive ceasefire. "Washington must now show that it can be tough on Russia," writes Mueller.

Stefan Schocher from "Die Welt" observes that Trump’s negotiations with Putin, in the absence of Kyiv, evoke bad memories from Ukraine’s past. "What Trump describes as a 'deal' is a manifestation of colonization for Ukraine," writes Schocher.

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Josef Wagner from "Bild" reminds readers that after the Trump-Putin conversation, hundreds of drones were launched toward Ukraine. "Trump says the conversation was great. Perhaps hockey players will play against each other again. And people will continue to die," reads "Bild."

German media emphasize that the result of the Trump-Putin talks is the relativization of Russia's blame for the war. Commentators point out that Russia's strategy is to wait until Trump loses interest in Ukraine, which could have serious consequences for Europe.