In his efforts to end the war in Ukraine, US President Donald Trump sees as a concession on the part of the Kremlin the fact that Russia no longer wants to take over its neighboring country entirely. When asked what concessions Russia is making in negotiations for a possible "deal", Trump replied: "To end the war and not take over the whole country? Quite a big concession."
However, there is nothing to suggest that Russian troops are currently in a position to take over all of Ukraine. And if they were not willing to do so now, this can hardly be interpreted as any concession on their part, writes the German public media ARD.
Russia invaded Ukraine on the orders of President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022. The aim of the attack, carried out in violation of international law, was to capture the entire neighboring country, including the capital Kiev, which was supposed to fall as quickly as possible. However, Ukraine put up a successful resistance and even managed to regain many areas, and the front line is now far from Kiev. Currently, the Russian military controls about a fifth of the territory of Ukraine - something that has not changed for years despite the ongoing fighting, the German publication recalls.
Trump: I am putting strong pressure on Russia
In front of journalists in Washington, Trump assured that the United States has put strong pressure on Russia. Recently, however, the American president has repeatedly adopted the point of view of the aggressor Russia, rather than that of the victim Ukraine, whose supporters the United States has been since the beginning of the war.
According to American media, the ceasefire proposal submitted by the United States actually largely satisfies Russia's demands, including recognition of Crimea as Russian territory; guarantees for the Kremlin that Ukraine will never join NATO; recognition of the current front line as the border.
Trump needs a "deal" for the first 100 days in the White House
Security policy expert Christian Möhling also believes that the position currently taken by the US president is "very close to the Kremlin". He is demanding concessions from Ukraine that it cannot agree to, Möhling told ARD. Trump needs to show something to be able to say that the task has been accomplished. According to the expert from the Center for European Policy, the American leader is clearly not interested in what will happen next.
During the election campaign, Trump claimed that he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours. Then this deadline became six months, and now he is apparently desperate for a peace "deal" to decorate his first 100 days of his second presidential term, which ends next week.
Mark Rutte: Russia poses a long-term threat
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte does see progress in peace efforts. After meeting with Trump at the White House, he said that under his leadership the negotiations could be brought to a "successful conclusion". There is "something on the table", now the ball is in the Russians' court, Rutte said. As for the Ukrainians, the NATO chief believes they are playing by the rules.
At the same time, however, Rutte identifies Russia as a long-term threat - and not just to Ukraine: "We all agree in NATO that Russia poses a long-term threat to NATO countries and to the entire Euro-Atlantic area."