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The European leaders are gearing up to speak to Donald Trump on Monday in order to assist the US president in “preparing” for his anticipated call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This upcoming week holds significant importance for the stalled Ukraine peace talks, with Trump’s administration viewing the call with Putin as a crucial moment to establish concrete parameters for a lasting settlement to the war.
There has been a longstanding concern among European leaders that Trump might strike a deal with the Kremlin that could potentially overlook Ukraine’s interests. As a result, leaders from Germany, France, and the UK have been actively engaging with Trump to influence his stance ahead of the talks. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz mentioned that he, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, would be participating in the call with Trump on Monday to discuss further progress in the peace negotiations.
Despite the efforts of European leaders to exert pressure on Moscow, Russian President Putin has shown reluctance to engage on terms set by others. He even declined a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Turkey last week, although he proposed talks between the two sides. Amidst this diplomatic flurry, Trump’s team has become increasingly impatient with Russia, but has remained cautious in their criticisms of Putin. Trump expressed his belief that a peace deal would not be possible “without me,” underscoring the significance of his direct call with Putin.
In a recent development, Zelenskyy met with US Vice-President JD Vance in Rome on Sunday, marking their first encounter since a disagreement at the White House in February. Zelenskyy described the meeting as positive and mentioned that it also involved US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions revolved around the negotiations in Istanbul, with Zelenskyy reiterating Ukraine’s readiness for genuine diplomacy and emphasizing the urgent need for a complete ceasefire.
Rubio disclosed that his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov informed him of Moscow’s intention to prepare a document outlining their requirements for a ceasefire, which could lead to broader negotiations. The US administration is keen on seeing tangible progress in the peace talks and has emphasized the need for both sides to demonstrate a willingness to make concessions.
The situation remains tense as Kyiv and its European allies fear that a potential withdrawal or reduction of US military support to Ukraine could further strengthen Russia’s position on the battlefield. The coming week is deemed crucial by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as efforts are being made to advance the peace process. However, Russia’s recent large-scale drone attack on Ukraine and its planned missile launch serve as stark reminders of the ongoing conflict and the challenges ahead in achieving a lasting resolution.
As the diplomatic efforts intensify, it is evident that the road to peace in Ukraine is fraught with complexities and uncertainties. The role of key stakeholders, including the US, European leaders, and Russia, will be crucial in determining the outcome of the peace talks. The coming days will be pivotal in shaping the future of Ukraine and the region as a whole.
