The EU fears that Trump will try to take sole control of the negotiations regarding Ukraine
European officials have expressed concern over possible moves by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the peace process in Russia’s war against Ukraine. The EU fears that, following the easing of tensions surrounding Iran, the White House may take control of the negotiation process.
Behind the scenes at the G7 summit in Evian, EU officials are speaking openly: Trump’s active intervention in the negotiations on Ukraine could undermine their strategy of maximum pressure on Russia.
“The fact that Trump was distracted wasn’t necessarily a bad thing,” said one EU diplomat on condition of anonymity.
The concerns are specific: Trump could take control of the peace process, sideline allies, and propose terms that Kyiv and Brussels would not accept.
Arriving in Evian the day after his birthday, the U.S. president met with French President Emmanuel Macron and stated that he is now ready to focus on Ukraine.
“Now that this is over, we will focus on this and see if we can do it,” Trump said, referring to the resolution of the Iranian crisis. “Twenty-five thousand people are dying every month, mostly soldiers. This shouldn’t be happening.”
Trump also revealed that he had spoken by phone the day before with both Kremlin leader Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—and considers both “open” to negotiations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU is already covering two-thirds of Ukraine’s financial needs—90 billion euros for this year and next. She expects the remainder from partners.
Additionally, €75 million in grants for Ukraine and a €15 billion loan from France for the development of the defense industry under the SAFE program were announced.
On the same day, EU ministers agreed to officially launch membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
Macron insists: Europe must be at the negotiating table not as a mediator, but as an equal party.
“The right kind of negotiations are those in which Ukraine and Russia sit at the table, and Europeans and Americans sit alongside them,” he said in an interview with TF1.
Source: Politico
As a reminder, Russia attacked the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, causing a fire.
Prior to that, Russian drones struck the Zaporizhzhia region, leaving several people injured.
Five State Emergency Service rescuers were killed as a result of the Russian attack on Kharkiv.
