Trump and Putin Open Dialogue on Ukraine Peace Talks, Raising Concerns in Europe

The U.S. and Russia discuss potential negotiations to end the Ukraine war, but European leaders express unease over exclusion and potential concessions.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a significant phone call discussing potential peace talks for the Ukraine conflict, marking their first confirmed contact during Trump's second term.
The U.S. administration proposed that Ukraine abandon its NATO membership aspirations and accept territorial losses as part of a peace deal, sparking criticism from European NATO partners.
European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, warned against a 'dictated peace' that undermines Ukraine's sovereignty and stressed the importance of involving Ukraine and European nations in negotiations.
Russia welcomed the initiative, preparing a delegation for talks and expressing openness to dialogue, while showing skepticism toward European participation, citing past failures of agreements like the Minsk Accords.
The talks, potentially to be held in Saudi Arabia, have drawn global attention, with NATO and other nations emphasizing the need for a sustainable and fair resolution that ensures Ukraine's independence and security.

Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung