Trump surprises Europe with unexpected Putin accord
European leaders, who were informed by Donald Trump about his conversation with Vladimir Putin, were surprised by what was agreed upon, as reported by the "Financial Times." According to the source's account, Trump does not appear ready to pressure Russia.
The newspaper highlights the difference between Putin's reserved approach and Trump's enthusiastic reaction. "FT" emphasizes that Putin announced cooperation with Ukraine on a memorandum regarding future negotiations and a possible temporary truce, but has also maintained demands for the "removal of the fundamental causes of the crisis."
The Kremlin interprets this to include, among other things, the demilitarization and "denazification" of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Trump announced that talks between Ukraine and Russia will begin "immediately," but according to "FT," he also suggested he might withdraw from mediation, stating that Russia and Ukraine must agree on the terms of the agreement themselves.
Europe in shock after Trump's conversation with Putin
"FT" reports, citing an insider source, that the leaders of Ukraine, the EU, Italy, France, Germany, and Finland, to whom Trump presented his conversation with Putin, were "shocked by the description of what was agreed upon." An anonymous source added that Trump is not prepared to exert more pressure on Putin to bring about genuine negotiations.
According to the newspaper, there is concern in European capitals that Trump may make a deal with Putin, agreeing to his maximalist demands and potentially compromising Ukraine's interests in a rush to end the conflict.
Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that his conversation with Vladimir Putin went very well, resulting in Russia and Ukraine immediately starting negotiations for a ceasefire. However, he noted that the terms will be negotiated between the two sides.
Meanwhile, Russian leader Vladimir Putin described the conversation with Trump as "sincere and substantive." He emphasized that issues of ceasefire and principles for resolving the conflict could be included in the memorandum between Russia and Ukraine.
