Internal Disagreement Surrounds Truce in Ukraine at the White House
In a significant development, a high-level meeting at the White House brought together world leaders, including former US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European heads of state and government, among others. The discussions revolved around the proposed security guarantees for Ukraine, aimed at shielding the nation from future Russian aggression.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg Rutte considered Trump's agreement to participate in these security guarantees a significant step, signalling potential international support for Ukraine's defense. Trump, on the other hand, suggested working towards a peace agreement instead of an immediate ceasefire.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz's (Merz's successor) successor, Olaf Scholz, sees a potential for ending the Ukraine war, stating "The way is clear." Zelenskyy described security guarantees as a top priority for peace with Russia. He also praised the US's readiness to provide such guarantees to his country after the war.
However, the exact details of these security guarantees, including the potential stationing of US troops, remain unknown. There have been unconfirmed reports that Trump sees a quick peace agreement possible if Ukraine cedes the entire Donbass to Russia. This proposition has not been confirmed by Trump or his representatives.
Trump increased pressure on Zelenskyy before the meeting, stating that Zelenskyy could end the war with Russia if he wanted to. Trump also considers a return of the 2014 annexed Crimean Peninsula unrealistic. Selenskyj believes that Crimea should never have been given up.
Russia rejected the stationing of troops from NATO countries in Ukraine, viewing it as a potential escalation of the conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron considers a three-way meeting crucial for resolving the conflict, and a four-way meeting with European involvement may be necessary for achieving a robust and lasting peace, according to Macron.
Trump's meeting with Zelenskyy could potentially be a stepping stone towards such a three-way meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy. During the meeting, Trump greeted Zelenskyy warmly, contrasting with their last meeting in February.
The proposed security guarantees will involve a combination of enhanced Ukrainian military capability and formal assurances from the US and European countries, potentially resembling collective defense obligations. These guarantees are being developed through intensive diplomacy involving Ukraine, the US, and European partners, with substantive work ongoing at the military and political levels.
According to recent reports, the security guarantees will be finalized "in the coming days," with European leaders and NATO officials proposing a two-layer security model. The first layer involves strengthening the Ukrainian armed forces to ensure they can effectively defend the country after a peace deal or long-term ceasefire. The second layer provides external security guarantees from Europe and the US to deter any future attacks.
This diplomatic effort has been prominent in recent summits, including the Ukraine Summit at the White House, where NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg Rutte and European leaders emphasized their commitment to these guarantees alongside political and military support for Ukraine. The U.S. and European allies are engaged in high-level meetings, including discussions among top military leaders, working towards a joint military plan to implement these guarantees.
As the world watches, the negotiations on security guarantees for Ukraine continue, offering a glimmer of hope for peace in the region. The final framework for these guarantees is expected imminently, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to secure Ukraine's future and safeguard its sovereignty.
[1] The Washington Post
[2] Reuters
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