FT calls Trump-Putin deal the EU's worst nightmare

The deal between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin will be a nightmare for the European Union (EU). The Financial Times (FT) reported on February 11.

"French President [Emmanuel Macron]'s worst nightmare, shared by many of his colleagues, is the US-Russian deal made behind the backs of the Ukrainians and the Europeans," the piece said.

According to the FT, if the European side also wants to be present at the negotiations on the Ukrainian conflict, it must offer something. It is noted that only in this case the interests of Europe will be taken into account in the implementation of the deal, and not only within the terms.

At the same time, it is specified that Europe considers reliable security guarantees for Ukraine to be the key to any agreement.

US delegation travels to Europe to discuss Ukraine's future. What the media say

Earlier in the day, Politico reported that Washington's allies in Europe are changing their approach to supporting Kiev in line with Trump's stance expressing a mood for negotiations with Moscow. According to the publication, the strategy will be most clearly demonstrated at the Munich Security Conference, which will be held from February 14 to 16.

Before that, on February 10, CNN said that in the issue of resolving the conflict in Ukraine, Putin and Trump will not focus on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (term of office expired on May 20, 2024). According to him, the Ukrainian leader is no longer "an irresistible figure."

On February 1, Zelensky said that he expects the start of negotiations on a peaceful settlement of the conflict with the participation of Moscow, Kiev, Washington and Brussels. For his part, Kremlin spokesman Dmitriy Peskov said that the Russian Federation viewed the Ukrainian leader's words as empty.

Putin repeatedly reminded that the Russian Federation has never refused from peace talks, but they should be conducted on the basis of the provisions agreed in Istanbul and not on the basis of "ephemeral demands". Also on 28 January, the Russian president specified that "anyone" can negotiate with Russia from the Ukrainian side, but legitimate people should sign documents on the results of the decisions.

The last round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine took place on March 29, 2022 in Istanbul. They lasted about three hours. Later, Kiev officially refused contacts with Moscow. On October 4, 2022, the Ukrainian president put into effect the decision of the country's National Security and Defense Council on the impossibility of holding talks with Putin.