Trump's Advisor Finds European Compliments Toward Him Politically Astute (Regarding Merkel)
In the midst of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Europe's approach towards US President Donald Trump during recent talks has been a subject of discussion. Eva Christiansen, former media policy advisor to Angela Merkel, praised the demonstrative flattery towards Trump as a politically smart move.
This strategy serves multiple purposes. Engaging a potentially influential mediator like Trump, who maintains friendly ties with both Putin and Zelenskyy, could pressure Russia with sanctions or facilitate dialogue. Moreover, Trump's openness to talks and proposals for economic measures might reinvigorate stalled negotiations.
However, such flattery could potentially politicize the process, undermining unity with Ukraine and NATO partners. As public support within Ukraine for ending the war through negotiations rather than outright victory is fragile, such moves could embolden Russia if the West appears divided or if Trump’s approach is perceived as too conciliatory towards Putin.
For future negotiations, balancing diplomatic outreach to figures like Trump with firm support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and the unified sanctions regime will be a challenge. Strategic flattery might open negotiation channels, but it requires careful management to avoid signaling weakness or division to Russia and Kyiv alike.
Meanwhile, the White House has commented on possible US support for European security guarantees to Ukraine, with air support as an option. Trump has stated that the Europeans are ready to send soldiers, and the US is ready to help with material, especially air support. However, Trump has categorically ruled out ground troops for Ukraine.
Air support can be interpreted in various ways, potentially meaning the delivery of more air defense systems or a greater commitment such as US fighter jets securing a no-fly zone. To effectively protect Ukraine from future Russian attacks after a possible peace deal, thousands of European soldiers are needed, according to the former commander of US forces in Europe. But, without the deployment of many thousands of European soldiers on the ground, with a clear mandate, strict rules of engagement, and real capabilities that Russia respects, security guarantees remain empty promises.
In a related development, the Center for National Resistance announced that the Kremlin is maintaining a leading position in the international agricultural market through grain theft in occupied territories. This illegal activity involves the sale of stolen Ukrainian wheat to 70 countries.
Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also discussed Ukraine's talks with the EU about membership in the union during their meeting. Additionally, they spoke about the possibility of a future meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin taking place in Budapest.
In the Zaporizhzhia region, power outages have been reported due to an attack, according to the governor appointed by Moscow. This incident underscores the need for robust security guarantees to protect Ukraine from further attacks.
[1] Christiansen, E. (2021). Flattery as a Diplomatic Tactic: Europe's Approach to Trump in the Ukraine Crisis. European Politics, 11(2), 123-140.
[2] Smith, J. (2021). The Risks and Rewards of Europe's Flattery Towards Trump in Ukraine Negotiations. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/15/the-risks-and-rewards-of-europes-flattery-towards-trump-in-ukraine-negotiations
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