Cautious reactions to Trump's announcement of a Ukraine agreement

After US President Donald Trump announced an agreement on Ukraine, the EU Commission has dampened expectations of an early agreement on security guarantees. There is still a lot of work to do, said commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho. Above all, the willingness of Russia, which started the war, is needed. But so far “not much movement” has been seen from there.

Pinho expressly welcomed the resumption of talks about ways out of the war and the commitment of all sides. Russia and Ukraine are sending delegations to Abu Dhabi next week for negotiations that have come about with US mediation.

According to Trump, the agreement could affect “all of Europe”.

Trump met with Kremlin negotiator Kirill Dmitriev on Thursday and announced a “big deal.” "It will affect more than just Ukraine, and I could even say it could affect all of Europe." Trump didn't give details, but claimed everyone would be thrilled. According to his own statements, he did not meet with representatives of Ukraine who also traveled to Washington.

Moscow then said it was open to future European participation in the Ukraine negotiations. It's about the future security system in Europe and mutual security guarantees between Russia and Ukraine, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "Therefore, a conversation with the Europeans will be necessary." However, the European side has not yet seen any willingness to discuss these questions, said Peskov. In addition, the Europeans have not yet even appointed a negotiator.

Federal government insists on ending the war

That's why Trump also called Chancellor Friedrich Merz that night. Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius then said that after the US midterm elections, the negotiation process to end Russia's war of aggression was gaining momentum and that "a new sense of urgency had emerged."

According to Kornelius, there is agreement with the US government on basic points. The war in Ukraine must first be ended and then a European security order must be discussed. In addition, the NATO partners would have to be on board by consensus. Since talks about peace in Ukraine concern Europe at its core, talks without European participation are not productive.

Before consultations with the chief diplomats of the states bordering the Baltic Sea, Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also emphasized Europe's central role in the search for a peace solution. “The future of our coexistence in Europe will be decided in Ukraine,” said the CDU politician. "The future of Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine and the security of Europe cannot be decided without Europe."

Melania Trump hands letter to Putin

While Trump only received Kremlin negotiator Dmitriev on Thursday, his wife Melania met with both Dmitriev and Ukrainian negotiator David Arachamia. She spoke out in favor of a “permanent” ceasefire. The six-day ceasefire in the town of Oleschky last week could serve as a model.

“Together we can create something more lasting than a temporary ceasefire,” the first lady said. According to Dmitriyev and Arachamia, she handed over letters to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.