US President Donald Trump’s approach to negotiations with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine has raised concerns that he is giving away too much leverage to Vladimir Putin, even before peace talks begin. European diplomats described his strategy as “appeasement,” a term with historical connotations that has never been effective.
The EU’s top foreign policy official, Kaja Kallas, said at the Munich Security Conference that Trump’s willingness to grant Russia significant concessions in Ukraine is “appeasement” and has not worked in the past. Other European diplomats echoed her sentiments, citing confusion over Trump’s statements on peace talks and a lack of clear strategy.
In contrast, US Vice President Mike Pence seemed unclear about his own approach, mentioning Ukraine only briefly during a speech while lecturing European leaders on suppressing right-wing movements. The EU was not given any specific details on the terms of negotiations or what concessions Putin might have to make.
Trump’s national security team has failed to provide allies with clear guidance on how decisions are made, leaving them uncertain about how to plan and develop strategies. Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, called Trump’s recent phone call with Putin a surprise that “is not how others do foreign policy.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Ukraine faces a low chance of survival without US support, emphasizing the need for strong security guarantees. European ministers have pledged further support for Ukraine and called for it to be included in any negotiations.
The situation highlights concerns that Trump’s approach may not prioritize Ukrainian interests or safety, fueling speculation about his motivations and the direction of US foreign policy under his administration.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/14/world/europe/ukraine-russia-trump-munich.html