Saturday, March 29, 2025
Trump demands Ukraine talks begin without delay, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept Vladimir Putin’s invitation to Istanbul negotiations. European diplomats say this unexpected move risks derailing their carefully coordinated plan to push the U.S. into sanctioning Moscow over its refusal to accept a 30-day ceasefire.
Donald Trump’s statement on social media insisted Ukraine must sit down with Russia “immediately” to determine if peace is possible. European leaders worry the post has disrupted transatlantic unity and weakened leverage over the Kremlin. Trump criticized both Ukraine and Russia for the stalled ceasefire, stating that the world needs clarity on each side’s intentions.
Zelenskyy’s acceptance of the Istanbul meeting was driven by fear of offending Trump, whose influence remains critical to U.S. aid. According to diplomats, the Ukrainian leader had “no choice” but to comply. Trump’s involvement, they claim, has forced Kyiv’s hand while undermining Europe’s collective pressure campaign.
Leaders from Britain, France, Germany, and Poland had united in Kyiv over the weekend, urging Trump to recognize Putin’s stalling and to authorize severe sanctions. Meanwhile, the UK postponed a new sanctions package due to Trump’s comments, though the EU remains on track to introduce fresh penalties by month’s end if a ceasefire isn’t achieved.
Germany warned on Monday that the EU would begin drafting sanctions if the ceasefire didn’t start by day’s end. But officials admit that the symbolic power of U.S. action—particularly Trump directly holding Putin accountable—would be the true turning point.
Putin has not confirmed whether he will join the Istanbul summit, but Trump hinted he might attend alongside both leaders. “There’s a possibility I could fly over,” Trump said. Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to say whether Putin will meet Zelenskyy but criticized Europe’s “ultimatum” approach.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected in Turkey on Thursday for a NATO defense summit, coinciding with the planned Ukraine-Russia talks. European ministers will use the opportunity to challenge Russia’s negotiation terms, which still include demands that Ukraine forgo NATO membership and accept the loss of four annexed regions.
European leaders remain skeptical of Putin’s intentions. If the talks in Istanbul collapse or stall, the goal is to return to Trump with renewed evidence that Moscow is not acting in good faith. Publicly, European ministers insist that no meaningful negotiation can happen without a ceasefire in place.
Germany’s foreign minister reaffirmed: “Ukraine is ready. Russia must now step up.” Italy echoed this sentiment, warning that Moscow is only stalling to seize more ground. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated, “No ceasefire, no real talks.”
