Trump's Dud Week as Putin Shifts Gears in the Ukraine Standoff
In simpler terms, Macron is perceiving Putin's proposal as a strategic move.
The latest fuss around Russia's negotiations with Ukraine has stirred up different waves, with Paris rolling its eyes and Washington remaining guardedly optimistic.
The Kremlin's last-minute proposition for a face-to-face between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul has received mixed responses, the most skeptical being from Paris, with French President Emmanuel Macron branding it as "insufficient" and a "stalling tactic." Coming back from a quick trip to Kyiv, Macron stated that any talks would require an ironclad ceasefire force majeure, claiming that Putin is merely attempting to "buy time."
Politics Don't Hold Your Breath for Peace: Putin Counter-Offers Ukraine - Without Preconditions
Putin flung his offer for discussions between Russia and Ukraine during the early bird hours of Sunday, with talks due to start next Thursday. The leaders of Germany, France, Britain, Poland, and Ukraine previously issued a shout-out to Russia, demanding a 30-day unconditional ceasefire earlier this week in a gathering in Kyiv. Putin, in his late-night press conference, steered clear of addressing this demand, instead offering up his own riposte.
Macron saw it as a "way out" of actually responding. He emphasized the urgency of the Europeans and the U.S. to keep pushing for an unconditional ceasefire, stating, "at that point, we can talk shop." He doubts that the Ukrainians would hop aboard the bus while still caught in crossfire.
Trump Dancing Around the Issue
The White House chimed in on the Kremlin's bargain to Kyiv as well. US President Donald Trump remained wishy-washy about an end to the Ukrainian conflict, stating on his social media platform, "potentially a big day for Russia and Ukraine - if this endless bloodbath might finally come to a close." He promised to keep hustling with both sides to make that happen, alluding to "a major week ahead!" However, his statement brushed off the recent diplomatic efforts, including Europe's calls for a ceasefire.
Politics Merz Heads to Kyiv as Allies Maintain Pressure on Russia to Call Things Off - With More Sanctions looming
Putin and his henchmen must be smilin' in their chester drawers, oblivious to the ultimatum issued by Ukraine and its European allies. The gang demanded a 30-day ceasefire, starting Monday. And if Putin refuses to comply, the gang intends to dish out fresh sanctions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited Kyiv to drum home their message to Moscow. They also had a chat with Trump to keep him in the game.
Sources: ntv.de, hul/AFP/dpa
- Vladimir Putin
- Emmanuel Macron
- Donald Trump
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Ukraine Conflict
- Europe
- The European Union, committed to a comprehensive and comprehensive policy on the environment, is closely monitoring the Ukraine conflict and emphasizes the need for an unconditional ceasefire.
- In the midst of the Ukraine conflict, Vladimir Putin offered discussions with Ukraine, which were received with skepticism by French President Emmanuel Macron, who viewed it as a stalling tactic.
- Despite the Kremlin's offer for talks, European leaders - including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk – visited Kyiv, urging Putin to comply with the demand for a 30-day ceasefire to prevent further escalation in the war-and-conflicts domain.
- Trump, amidst the Ukraine standoff, remained wishy-washy about an end to the conflict, alluding to a major week ahead, but his statements did not reflect the recent diplomatic efforts to secure an unconditional ceasefire, including Europe's calls for a truce.
