Diverse Reactions from European Nations to Trump-Putin Dialogue on Ukraine
Click to start listening
Synopsis
European nations display varied responses to the recent Trump-Putin phone call discussing initial peace steps for Ukraine. While some leaders express optimism, others remain cautious about the implications of the dialogue and stress the necessity of Ukraine's involvement in peace negotiations.
Key Takeaways
- European nations show mixed reactions to the Trump-Putin call.
- Discussions aimed at a ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine.
- Importance of Ukraine's direct involvement in negotiations emphasized.
- Concerns about sidelining Europe in the peace process raised.
- Leaders express cautious optimism while acknowledging challenges ahead.
Brussels, March 20 (NationPress) European nations have expressed varied responses to a recent phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where initial discussions regarding peace efforts in Ukraine took place.
The White House's summary of the call, released on Wednesday, indicated that both leaders acknowledged the necessity for a resolution to the ongoing three-year Russia-Ukraine conflict, aiming for a sustainable peace. They discussed commencing the process with a ceasefire focused on energy and infrastructure, as well as initiating technical discussions regarding a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea. Additionally, they aimed for a comprehensive ceasefire and a permanent peace agreement, as reported by Xinhua.
The Kremlin's summary highlighted specific demands from Russia regarding the 30-day ceasefire proposed by Trump. President Putin stressed that halting all foreign military support and intelligence sharing with Ukraine is essential to avoid further escalation of the conflict and to achieve a political and diplomatic resolution.
Shortly after the Trump-Putin conversation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that his nation endorses any proposals that lead to a sustainable and equitable peace, emphasizing the need for Ukraine's direct participation in negotiations. He remarked, "Without Ukraine's involvement, I believe reaching an agreement is futile."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa jointly advocated for "a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine," expressing optimism that the phone call signifies progress and reiterating their unwavering support for Ukraine.
During their meeting in Berlin on Tuesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the Trump-Putin call as a significant step, while reaffirming the necessity of Ukraine's full participation in peace discussions, insisting that no decisions about Ukraine's future should be made "over the heads" of the Ukrainian populace.
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar also endorsed the Trump-Putin dialogue, stating their agreement on the importance of open communication and the pursuit of sustainable solutions to prevent the recurrence of similar conflicts.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto remarked that the US and Russian leaders have made a substantial advancement toward peace, hoping that Brussels would not obstruct a peace agreement.
Conversely, some leaders adopted a more cautious stance regarding the implications of the call. Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics remarked, "I think there will be more discussions across various levels... I wouldn't rush to draw significant conclusions from the current situation."
Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Labor Minister Marian Jurecka indicated that the call did not outline a genuine solution to the Ukrainian crisis, stating, "The phone call, while receiving applause... has likely not yielded any real solutions to our current issues," as reported by Czech News Agency.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares shared a cautious outlook on peace prospects, noting, "It's encouraging to hear talks of a ceasefire... but we remain far from the peace that Spain and the European populace desire."
Considering Europe's marginalization in addressing the Ukraine crisis, there is an increasing call for both Ukraine and European nations to be included in peace negotiations.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro asserted that within the European Union, there is widespread agreement that any peace initiative regarding Ukraine and this conflict must integrate Ukraine itself along with the EU.
French government spokesperson Sophie Primas highlighted that there is still "a long way" to achieve a "complete ceasefire," emphasizing that the Trump-Putin call cannot yield an agreement "unless Ukrainians and Europeans are part of the discussions."
Finnish President Alexander Stubb stressed the necessity of including a European team in addition to the Ukrainian, Russian, and US delegations in the discussions.
