Reports suggest that US President Donald Trump is anticipated to intensify pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to consider territorial concessions to Russia.
Norbert Röttgen, a leading CDU foreign policy expert, stated that President Trump demonstrably exerted this pressure following the recent Alaska summit through public statements. He anticipates President Zelenskyy will likely face renewed calls for concessions during his meeting at the White House on Monday. Röttgen characterized the situation as remaining “serious and tense.
Following Friday’s meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Röttgen observed no indication of progress towards a ceasefire or peace agreement. He believes Putin remains committed to his objectives in Ukraine and perceives the conflict as progressing favorably.
Röttgen highlighted that European nations, notably through the influence of German Chancellor Merz, have established a “clear and unified position” on the matter. However, he cautioned that the current pace of European efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defense and secure its own safety may not be sufficient. He stressed the urgent need for Europe to accelerate its response in what he described as a “race against time”.
