Mimica also translated the different emotional status. Those who saw the images of yesterday’s summit between the EU, the US and the Ukraine will have noticed that there were at least three positions around that table. The first, that of Donald Trump, convinced that he can reach an “agreement” between Kiev and Moscow with ongoing fights. The second, that of Macron, Starmer and Merz, convinced-by “willing as they are”-that need to keep the pressure on Russia high and impose a ceased as a pre-approach to any negotiation on territories or security guarantees. The third, that of Giorgia Meloni who acted as a bridge between the two positions, convinced – as it is – that Europe cannot afford to make a big voice without having Washington behind. On the other hand, Ursula von der Leyen, who – like a melania Trump, has not been reached – the marginal role of those who just ask Putin to “return all the kidnapped Ukrainian children” has been cut out.
The most intrusive has seemed Emmanuel Macron, who for some time – since the beginning of the war in Ukraine – has been looking for a place in the sun to solve the crisis. He never succeeded, remedying only that humiliating photography of him and the Tsar sitting at an immense table. Distant, as are the positions between the EU and Russia. While everyone cheered yesterday for yet another passenger forward towards a possible, but not obvious, peace agreement, the French president was a bastian against. “The diplomatic effort aimed at putting an end to the war in Ukraine is necessary – said the tenant of the Elysée – but doubts remain regarding the real will of Russian President Vladimir Putin to resolve the conflict”. It almost seems that Emmanuel cheers for the no deal, Convinced that perhaps – the Trump’s attempt has failed – he will be able to conquer the scene at the helm of the troops of willing. “When I look at the situation and the facts, it does not seem to me that President Putin is very willing to have peace now. Perhaps I am too pessimistic”, “added the French president, recognizing that” optimism “of Trump” must be taken seriously “. “If he believes he can conclude an agreement, it is great news, and we must do everything possible to have a great agreement.”
His face, however, yesterday, did not say this. And it is no coincidence that during the short statements to the press asked for a ceased for the fire (which just before The Donald had categorically excluded) and then a quadrilateral (USA, Russia, Ukraine, willing) that Trump punctually did not grant him in the least.
Not happy, Emmanuel in the morning returned to charge by accusing Putin of being “an ogre at our doors”. Russia “has become a long-lasting force and a potential threat to many of us,” he explained to the Tf1-LCI broadcaster after the top in Washington. “A country that invests 40% of its budget in these equipment, which has mobilized an army of over 1.3 million men, will not return to being a democratic system open from today. Even for its own survival, Putin must continue to eat. He is a predator, an ogre in our doors”. And again: “We must not be naive. I don’t say that France will be attacked tomorrow, but it is a threat to the Europeans”.
The node of the office of negotiations
Then there is another theme that affects Macron, or the seat of the possible “bilateral” between Kiev and Moscow, from which many expect concrete news for peace. The French president focused strong on Geneva, explaining that “more than a hypothesis, it is even the collective will”. It is perhaps a way to prevent Giorgia Meloni’s ideas, president of the Italian Council, who instead proposed Rome as an alternative, claiming the role of Italy as a mediator. For their part, both the foreign ministries of Italy and Switzerland have formally offered their availability. The United States seems to want to privilege a European and neutral headquarters.
The hot themes on the table: safety and cease fire
One of the main points remains the safety of Ukraine. Zelensky repeated: “We need security guarantees that work”. The Ukrainian president said that territorial issues will be at the center of the meeting with Putin and Trump, and that if Moscow refuses the trilateral, “other penalties” will be needed. During the day of meetings in Washington, Trump excluded the need for a preliminary fire, but he guaranteed that the United States will help Ukraine defend themselves, but the EU will have a large part of the dirty work.
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