European Leaders Skeptical as Trump and Putin Announce Limited Ceasefire in Ukraine
European leaders have expressed skepticism regarding the limited ceasefire in Ukraine that was agreed upon by US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The newly forged agreement, which stipulates a cessation of attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, has raised doubts about Putin's commitment to a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict, which has reached its third year.
Following a phone call between Trump and Putin, Russia announced a partial ceasefire but notably refrained from endorsing a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire plan proposed by Trump, which had received the approval of Ukraine. Hours after the leaders' conversation, Russia launched a series of attacks on various targets across Ukraine, contradicting the spirit of the ceasefire deal. Moreover, reports of Ukrainian drone strikes against Russian positions were also documented.
Germany’s Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, voiced criticism of Putin's approach, stating, "Putin is playing a game here, and I’m sure that the American president won’t be able to sit and watch for much longer." Pistorius characterized Russia's promise to halt attacks on energy targets as ineffective since those infrastructures in Ukraine are already under stringent protection. Furthermore, he labeled the Kremlin's demand for a complete end to Western military support for Ukraine as unacceptable, emphasizing that Putin’s intent is to deter Ukraine’s allies from providing necessary support that would enable the country to defend itself effectively.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron both reaffirmed their nations' commitment to sending military aid to Ukraine. Scholz remarked, "Ukraine can count on us," further solidifying European support against Russian aggression. Finland's President, Alexander Stubb, echoed this sentiment by stating, "Ukraine has an undeniable right to defend itself on its own and supported by its partners. This right cannot be restricted in any way, not now and not in the future."
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, expressed doubt about the viability of the US-Russian agreement, asserting, "It is clear that Russia does not really want to make any kind of concessions." She emphasized that demands to cease military assistance to Ukraine could not be entertained. Similarly, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares remarked on the grim nature of the conflict, attributing it to one man's war—Putin—and stating, "There is no real will from Putin to stop this war." He acknowledged progress in discussions concerning ceasefire but highlighted the enduring distance from a true peace that Europeans desire.
Conversely, some international responses have been more optimistic. In particular, China has welcomed the agreement between Trump and Putin, accentuating its continued call for conflict resolution through dialogue. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated, "We welcome all efforts toward a ceasefire and consider it a necessary step toward achieving peace."
As tensions remain palpable and skepticism looms over the ceasefire, the disparate reactions from various global leaders reflect the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the path to peace in Ukraine.
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