FLASH
Shkruar nga Dominic Waghorn
Much of yesterday's events focused on stroking Donald Trump's ego. Many in Kiev would prefer he be reminded of some hard facts about this war. Vladimir Putin cannot be trusted...
It is usually wise to wait for the “dust to settle” before drawing conclusions about this presidency. But, at first glance, we are further from peace in Ukraine today than we were two weeks ago.
Two weeks ago, there was a consensus: Vladimir Putin would only stop under maximum pressure. He does not seek territorial gains; his goal is to destroy the entire Ukrainian state and incorporate it into “Greater Russia.” To stop him, the allies agreed that an immediate ceasefire and much more painful sanctions, especially on the Russian oil industry, were needed. The Europeans and Republicans in Congress were in agreement on this at the time.
But then came “Alaska” and Donald Trump’s turn. No ceasefire, no tougher sanctions. So, less pressure on the Kremlin. Yesterday’s “reality show”-style diplomatic spectacle in Washington did not change this stance. Trump seems aligned with Putin on these very vital points.
Moreover, allies are beginning to accept that Ukraine will have to give up some of the territories it has forcibly occupied. This “loss” is often softened by the formula that “only Ukraine can decide about its territory,” but the reality is that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is under great pressure to make concessions.
In return, vague security guarantees are offered. European leaders are grappling with the fact that Trump did not rule out the involvement of American troops in the future and even hinted at an American role in the post-war security architecture. But for Ukrainians, this is small consolation. They know that this president often changes his mind, even breaking signed international agreements.
The only positive thing that can be said about the White House meeting is that it paved the way for more meetings. But for now, the path to peace looks even murkier. /Adapted from “Sky News”
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