International • 17:18 • Modified at 17:18 Tensions rise over Ukraine-Russia peace talks: 'America as an ally in danger' Author : BNR Web Editors A meeting in London on a ceasefire proposal from America, Ukraine and the most important European countries is taking place without Marcio Rubio. The American delegation is now led by the so far toothless Keith Kellogg. But the ministers are not interested and have now cancelled the entire conversation. However, there is discussion at a lower level.
This is an analysis by European reporter Geert Jan Hahn.
This week is not about the peace talks, but about the US as a Western ally, writes Europe reporter Geert Jan Hahn in an analysis.
At the same time, US President Donald Trump seems to have had enough: the peace between Ukraine and Russia is far too complicated to solve within 24 hours. Better not at all.
So what's going to happen now?
Ukraine and Europe hope to keep America on board this week, but Trump may come up with a final proposal to Ukraine via Kellogg. This may be in it:
Recognize de jure that Crimea is Russian. De facto recognize that the occupied territories remain in Russian hands. Say out loud that Ukraine never wants to join NATO. The proposal is in the hands of Axios , possibly because it was deliberately leaked from the Ukrainian camp.
Russian 'helpers' These are impossible conditions for Zelensky to answer with 'yes', because then he would put too much pressure on his position in his own country. At the same time, Putin makes gestures that in our eyes are quite hopeless, but in Trump's eyes are seen as a sign of goodwill. Such as:
No fighting during Easter (announced unilaterally at the last minute and for show). 'Willing' to freeze the front line, which is taken up by many media as a gesture of encouragement, but which is nonsense: Putin's maximalist drive since the beginning of the war (look at the Russian constitution) has been to claim regions in Ukraine that he does not even fully occupy yet. Spending hours talking to real estate negotiator Steve Witkoff in Moscow, who also has some Russian interests himself . Climax The many statements and leaks to the media indicate that tensions are rising enormously, that Trump and Putin are working towards a climax and that Zelensky is doing everything he can to prevent that.
Read also 'Current front line as a final border is unacceptable for final peace'
So this week is not about peace in Ukraine or a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, this week is about America as a Western ally. Trump may want nothing more to do with this war, considers withdrawing all support for Ukraine, normalizes relations with the Russians and in doing so jeopardizes relations with Europeans.
Then the choice is up to The Hague, Rome and many others: are you pro-Ukraine or pro-Trump (and therefore also pro-Putin)?
Chance encounter Oh yes, Trump and Zelensky may see each other on Saturday at Pope Francis' farewell. Alea iacta est, Trump will think. Zelensky will think: screw your dice.
A way out? Possibly that raw materials deal, signed on the sidelines of the Pope's funeral. The only way for Zelensky to keep Trump on board for a while longer and buy time for the Europeans and himself.
