Trump has been on the phone with Putin before speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky and has not consulted with US allies in the EU and NATO in Europe. That alone is enough to show that Mr. Trump does not give Ukraine, the EU and NATO any co-deciding role in working with Russia to find a solution to end the conflict in Ukraine. It is clear that Mr. Trump believes that the key to ending the conflict is on the Russian side and in the deal with Russia.
This also means that Mr. Putin can be satisfied when almost all of Russia's prerequisites for peace with Ukraine are met by Mr. Trump. The EU, NATO and Ukraine cannot help but be disappointed, confused and confused by the two above.
Mr. Trump said that he had agreed with Mr. Putin to immediately start the negotiation process between the US and Russia to end the conflict without mentioning any participation or role of the EU or NATO. Mr. Trump also said he would soon meet Mr. Putin, possibly in Saudi Arabia, and mentioned the US and Russia conducting high-level bilateral official visits to each other.
The change in US policy towards Russia and Ukraine was also clearly demonstrated in the statements of US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Mr. Hegseth forced US allies in Europe to realize that their relationship with the US is no longer as close and trustworthy as before. Mr. Hegseth said that the US must focus on prioritizing the security of the US itself, so European countries must take care of themselves in ensuring the security of Ukraine and Europe, implying that the EU and NATO must take care of themselves to deal with Russia. Mr. Trump's special envoy to Ukraine also urged Ukraine to hold a presidential election, implying to find a replacement for Mr. Zelensky, who was denied meeting and negotiating by Mr. Putin.
Mr. Putin and the Russian side have every reason to be satisfied with the new moves from Mr. Trump and his colleagues. However, Russia has not shown enthusiasm and is still cautiously optimistic. The reason is that the Russian side is still particularly concerned about Mr. Trump easily changing his views and switching from one extreme to another.
Therefore, the opportunity for peace in Europe has only been revealed at present and no one is sure that there will be peace. Mr. Trump needs to make compromises with Mr. Putin at all costs and be ready to regard the EU, NATO and Ukraine. Mr Trump is likely to pressure Ukraine to accept almost all of Russia's conditions to reach a framework solution with Russia. Only then and to implement the framework solution will the EU, NATO, Ukraine and other organizations and institutions in Europe participate.
So whether or not peace will come to this continent depends on the power play between Russia and the EU, NATO and Ukraine in the process of implementing a peaceful solution.
