Putin ‘doesn’t want peace,’ EU chief diplomat warns ahead of Trump, Zelenskyy deal

European Leaders Express Skepticism Over Trump’s Push for Ukraine-Russia Peace Deal

European leaders are growing increasingly uneasy as U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies his efforts to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has openly questioned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to peace, arguing that Putin is more interested in waiting out the West than engaging in genuine negotiations. Trump recently claimed that his administration has been engaged in “very good talks with Russia,” though he did not provide specifics on whether these discussions have yielded tangible progress toward ending the war in Ukraine. The mismatch between Trump’s optimism and the EU’s skepticism reflects a growing divide between Washington and its European allies on how to address the conflict.

The EU’s Stance: Pressure and Unity Are Key

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has been vocal about the need for increased pressure on Russia. In an interview with Fox News Digital, she emphasized that while dialogue with Russia is necessary, the focus should remain on strengthening Ukraine both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. “Russia wants us to think that they can wait us out and that time is on their side, but it’s not really so,” Kallas said. She stressed that escalating economic and political pressure on Moscow, combined with robust support for Ukraine, is the only way to force Putin into a meaningful peace process. Kallas also highlighted the importance of transatlantic unity, warning against allowing Putin to divide the West. “Let’s not do him the favor,” she said.

Trump’s Approach Raises Concerns Among NATO Allies

President Trump’s efforts to engage Russia have sparked frustration among some NATO allies, particularly over his controversial remarks about Ukraine. While Trump has boasted about his ability to re-enter talks with Russia and his success in pushing NATO nations to increase their defense spending, his administration’s abrupt reversal of U.S. policy on Ukraine has left many European leaders uneasy. Some allies, like the U.K., are working to demonstrate shared values with the U.S., while others, such as Germany, are distancing themselves from Washington—a position Berlin has not taken since World War II. This divergence underscores the challenges of maintaining a unified Western response to the crisis.

The Strategic Importance of Ukraine

Kallas and other European leaders are keenly aware of the strategic stakes in Ukraine. She reminded the Trump administration of the enduring value of the NATO alliance, pointing out that Article 5, the alliance’s mutual defense clause, has been invoked only once in its 76-year history—after the 9/11 attacks on the U.S. Kallas, who served as Estonia’s first female prime minister, also highlighted the sacrifices NATO troops made in supporting the U.S. in the War on Terror. “We, as Estonia, lost as many soldiers per capita as the United States,” she noted. “We were there for you when you asked for help.” Her comments underscored the deep historical ties between the U.S. and Europe, while also expressing frustration over perceptions that the Trump administration does not value these alliances as highly.

A Call for Transatlantic Cooperation

Kallas visited Washington recently to discuss critical issues affecting the EU-U.S. security partnership, including Ukraine, the Middle East, Africa, Iran, and China. Although her meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio was canceled, she expressed confidence that communication between the two sides would continue. “There’s a lot to discuss,” she said, noting the many areas where mutual cooperation is essential. Her visit served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic ties, particularly in the face of growing global challenges. Kallas urged both the U.S. and Europe to avoid letting Putin exploit divisions over Ukraine, arguing that a united West is the only way to deter Russian aggression and ensure long-term security.

The Road Ahead

As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, European leaders are bracing for a long and uncertain road ahead. While Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are set to finalize a minerals deal that could potentially pave the way for future ceasefire discussions, skepticism remains about whether this will lead to meaningful progress. For now, the EU is doubling down on its strategy of increasing pressure on Russia while bolstering Ukraine’s military and diplomatic position. The transatlantic alliance, despite its current strains, remains a cornerstone of this approach. As Kallas made clear, the West’s ability to stand together will be crucial in determining whether peace can be achieved—and on whose terms.