Trump-Merz Shift Under Scrutiny: Strack-Cimmermann Expresses Skepticism, Ukraine in Discussions
In an interview with RTL and ntv, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the Defense Committee in the EU Parliament, expressed her concerns about the ongoing Ukraine conflict and the upcoming video conference call by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The focus of Strack-Zimmermann's message is the two-and-a-half-year-long conflict in Ukraine, and she emphasised the importance of a united European role, especially by France, the UK, and Europe as a whole, in influencing US policy and maintaining security guarantees for Ukraine.
Strack-Zimmermann stated her expectations for the Merz conference call as modest but believed it was important. However, she was skeptical about the success of the video conference call, warning about Donald Trump's history of making announcements without follow-through. She stressed that the American president has announced much but not implemented it, urging caution and skepticism towards promises of security guarantees for Ukraine made in such calls.
Regarding the role of France, the UK, and Europe, Strack-Zimmermann highlighted the importance of close cooperation among European countries—including France and the UK—and the EU in the broader transatlantic coalition to pressure Russia and support Ukraine's sovereignty effectively. European leaders, including France and the UK, are seen as crucial partners in pushing the United States under Trump to commit to inviolable security guarantees for Ukraine and prevent any Russian veto on Ukraine’s European and NATO aspirations.
Strack-Zimmermann's stance was cautiously critical on the success of the video call itself but strongly advocated for a united European role in shaping a firm, coordinated policy on Ukraine. She expressed hope that her message about the importance of Ukraine's involvement in any deal would reach Trump.
Strack-Zimmermann also emphasised that the people of Ukraine are defending themselves against the Russians and that a deal on Ukraine cannot be concluded without Ukraine's participation. She finds it a mistake for Zelensky not to be at the table in discussions about Ukraine, and she believes it's good that Germany is working together with France and the UK in this matter.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) is scheduled to hold a video conference call today, the focus of which is influencing Trump's decisions regarding Ukraine. Strack-Agnes Zimmermann's message to Trump is clear: there can be no deal without Ukraine and without Europe.
Policy and legislation, politics, general news, and war-and-conflicts are intertwined in the ongoing discourse about Ukraine. Strack-Zimmermann, the Chair of the Defense Committee in the EU Parliament, has highlighted the need for a united European role to influence US policy and maintain security guarantees for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of engaging France, the UK, and Europe as a whole in this effort.
