Trump's perceived peace initiative with Putin casts uncertainty as Europe stands still, with Zelensky in a predicament.
In the daily, Monday-to-Friday podcast produced by Expresso's editorial team, host Paulo Baldaia and his team of journalists, international correspondents, and commentators discuss the news that has survived the day's fleetingness.
Recently, the podcast has focused on the potential costs associated with renewed meetings between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which could lead to a peace deal.
One key point of discussion is Ukraine’s exclusion from the talks. The absence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the meetings held in Alaska has raised concerns about agreements that could impose territorial concessions on Ukraine, such as ceding control of parts of the Donetsk region. This undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and risks setting a precedent for compromising its territorial integrity without its consent.
Another point of discussion is Putin’s diplomatic gains with limited concessions. The meetings provided Putin with valuable recognition by engaging directly with a U.S. president for the first time since 2021, potentially improving Russia’s international standing. However, Putin has reportedly not offered significant concessions or agreed to a ceasefire, suggesting a diplomatic win for Russia rather than a balanced peace.
The podcast also delves into the potential straining of transatlantic relations. Excluding European allies and Ukraine from negotiations risks fracturing the unity of the transatlantic alliance. European capitals have publicly expressed alarm and emphasized the importance of maintaining a united front, warning that sidelining Kyiv and overlooking European security concerns could have long-term geopolitical costs.
Critics argue that while good relations with Russia are preferable to bad ones, the meetings so far have produced no tangible benefits for the U.S. Instead, they may undermine Western unity and empower Putin without tangible returns, imposing political and strategic costs on America and its partners.
In summary, while dialogue between Trump and Putin might offer a path toward peace, the immediate potential costs include sidelining Ukraine in negotiations, risking loss of Ukrainian territory, providing Putin with diplomatic leverage without verified concessions, and destabilizing relationships within NATO and with European partners.
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