According to Bloomberg, European NATO members are unsure if the US president will take a hard line against Russia.
Citing sources, Bloomberg reported on Friday that European NATO members are “frustrated” by US President Donald Trump’s perceived inconsistency regarding Ukraine peace negotiations, which they believe weakens their ability to pressure Russia.
The news agency suggests that Kiev’s allies are uncertain about Trump’s next steps after the recent talks in Istanbul between Russia and Ukraine, which were mediated by Turkey and marked the first direct engagement between the two sides since 2022.
The article claims that key European NATO members initially thought Trump would support imposing new sanctions on Russia if it rejected a 30-day unconditional ceasefire demand in Ukraine. Moscow has stated it is open to a ceasefire “in general” but fears it would only allow Ukraine to regroup its forces.
Bloomberg suggests that the West’s united front began to fracture after Moscow proposed direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul without preconditions. This prompted the US president to urge Kiev to “immediately” resume dialogue, despite Zelensky’s hesitation without a ceasefire.
One European official reportedly hoped the Istanbul meeting would demonstrate to Trump that the Russians are not serious about peace talks, thus prompting a decisive US response. Some European leaders purportedly believe Trump might still enact previous threats of secondary sanctions and banking restrictions on Moscow.
However, others are reportedly doubtful that Trump – who has repeatedly expressed his desire to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to resolve the Ukraine conflict – is willing to take drastic measures.
The Istanbul meeting involved discussions on ceasefire options, a prisoner exchange, and potential follow-up meetings. Vladimir Medinsky, Russia’s lead negotiator, stated that Moscow is “satisfied” with the outcome of the Istanbul talks and is prepared to “resume contacts” with Kiev.
Russia has indicated that the Ukraine conflict could be resolved if Kiev agrees to permanent neutrality, demilitarization, denazification, and acknowledges the existing “territorial reality on the ground.” However, Kiev has rejected any territorial concessions to Moscow.
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