Donald Trump hopes to finish the fight quickly, and that's no substance the cost, due to the fact that he wants to “show at home as shortly as possible that he is simply a large prince of peace”. “Putin will usage it — an analyst leaves no doubt.
On the place of Europe, it would tell the Americans that "United States violates NATO's fundamental principles", so they must even anticipate suspension in the rights of an alliance member. “This would of course be a very dramatic step,” says Stefanie Babst. What would that mean for the West?
"Die Welt": Ukraine agreed to a 30-day comprehensive ceasefire at a gathering with the US in Saudi Arabia. How will the Kremlin respond to this?
Stefanie Babst: For me, the result of these talks does not change the overall situation. due to the fact that the Russian side is inactive curious in destroying Ukraine. We saw it again Wednesday night. Secondly, Russia wants to prevent Ukrainian membership in NATO. These are all the maximum demands that Russia will proceed to make. That's why I think poker will continue.
“The Americans are under force — not Putin”
But didn't the force on Russia increase importantly now? American Senator Lindsey Graham threatens Moscow with fresh sanctions.
Basically, it must be said that the Russian president had a immense point victory, as Donald Trump took his side. Trump is the 1 who is now exerting force due to the fact that he wants to be able to announce at home as shortly as possible that he is the large prince of peace. Putin will usage it. The Russian president will say: “I am not the 1 being pushed. We have no reason to leave our strategy now. We are now even making advancement in the military sphere. So what are you talking about?’ Americans are under force — not Putin.
So you keep that the Americans will proceed to side with the Russians in the negotiations?
There's absolutely no reason to propose otherwise. The statements we have heard from the U.S. administration over the last 4 weeks — for example, that Zelenski should resign as shortly as possible — are inactive valid. Something's inactive in the air. Like actions specified as the suspension of cyber operations against Russia.
There is inactive no safety warrant for Ukraine. The Americans have inactive not committed themselves to involving Europeans in the negotiations. There is no American engagement in issues as crucial to Ukrainians as exchanging prisoners and returning deported children from occupied territories.
Europe cannot watch. Atomic option on the table
On Tuesday, military commanders from 30 countries met in Paris to discuss the issue of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. What position should Europe take?
This is not about European peacekeeping forces. I find this word very problematic. That's what it is. discussed in the UK and France with another allies, would be a deterrent force that would be stationed in Ukraine after a peace agreement — not straight at the border. They are intended to deter Russia. This is called ‘trip wire’ or ‘terrence force’, i.e. the deterrence force with all components that should be ready to respond to Russian aggression if necessary.
However, the Russian side completely rejects it. erstwhile it comes to area monitoring or ceasefire, there are only question marks. Who should be in charge of the ticket? Should it be commissioned by the UN? Are there any Russian or American proposals? No, there's nothing at all. The deal Trump would make with Putin would truly weaken and yet divide Ukraine.
You are very critical of the American position. How should Europeans behave in NATO? What are we doing with the United States under Donald Trump?
This is simply a very fundamental question, but of course it is besides related to Ukraine. I believe that the United States is violating the fundamental principles of the NATO Treaty, the Washington Treaty, and many common positions that NATO has developed in fresh years. We gotta respond to that.
I besides do not think that the majority is presently in favour of specified a solution. But I am profoundly convinced that we must send a signal to the Americans, not just hope that we will get a tiny favour from president Trump at the Oval Office. This is not a good basis for our defence capabilities.
Suspension is simply a precursor to further steps, e.g. expulsion.
Of course, Europeans and Canadians in the alliance would gotta decide how to yet put it. However, my point is that the Americans must receive a signal that we are no longer prepared to tolerate specified a policy. We want to get out of our reactive corner, not just wait for it.
