Trump: "Close deal" - Europe skeptical

TT

Updated 19.55 | Published 18.50

 

Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday. Photo: Evan Vucci/AP/TT

The US is "very close" to reaching a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, claims President Donald Trump.

French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders, however, sound less optimistic.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyj appeals for continued support.

- I think we will get there. So I think we are very close to a deal, says Trump at an event before the Thanksgiving holiday at the White House on Tuesday evening, adding:

- But I don't know, I think we will get there.

Macron's tone, however, is of a different kind.

– It is clear that there is no Russian will for a ceasefire at the moment, he says in connection with a meeting with the “Coalition of the Willing”, which includes about 30 countries allied with Ukraine. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also attended.

Ukrainian President Zelensky expresses gratitude to the countries in the coalition after the meeting, but at the same time notes the brutality of the Russian attacks on Ukraine.

Continued brutality

“Russia’s war against Ukraine has not ended yet – every day the Russians kill our people on the front lines, and attack our cities and our energy facilities. So while diplomatic efforts continue, it is absolutely crucial that our partners do not forget that Ukraine still needs defense support, security support, and support for our resistance – every day.” Zelensky writes on X, and continues:

“It is important that we work to get support for both our defense and diplomacy. Today’s talks with 40 members of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ confirm that.”

For her part, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen writes in a post on X that “significant and encouraging progress” has been made in recent days, but also emphasizes that increased pressure is needed on the Kremlin.

“Since pressure remains the only language that Russia responds to, we will continue to increase the pressure until there is a genuine willingness to engage in a credible path towards peace.”

The Russians’ responsibility

Similar tones are heard from Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who says in a written comment that the Russians have “every opportunity” to end the war:

“But so far we have not seen anything to indicate that they would be ready to engage constructively in serious negotiations.”

The comments come at a time when intensive negotiations on a peace settlement are underway. There is still no indication that Kiev and Moscow have agreed on the most difficult issues, including what will happen to the Russian-occupied territories and security guarantees for Ukraine.