PNN – A Western media outlet described the U.S. peace plan for Ukraine, which does not take Brussels’ concerns into account, as an “ugly deal” for Europe.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network, Reuters wrote in a report: European officials are worried that the final agreement on Ukraine will not only fail to punish or weaken Russia, but will further endanger the security of the European continent.
The Western outlet added: It is even possible that the United States, as Europe’s traditional partner in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), may also begin extensive economic cooperation with Russia.
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Reuters wrote: Although the Ukrainians and some European countries succeeded in limiting parts of the 28-point U.S. plan that were considered highly favorable to Russia, any agreement could still carry major risks for Europe. Europe’s influence is limited, and it had no representative present during the recent negotiations between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Florida, observing developments only from afar.
The English-language outlet, quoting Luuk van Middelaar, director of the Brussels Geopolitical Think Tank, wrote: It seems the reality is slowly being accepted that, in the end, an ugly deal will be reached. Trump wants an agreement based on the logic of great powers. According to this logic, the U.S. and Russia are two major powers and must reach agreements between themselves on issues.
Reuters referred to remarks by Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, regarding consultations with the European Union on the peace agreement, and wrote: European diplomats are not very confident, because almost every aspect of the agreement can affect Europe — from the possible transfer of territory to economic cooperation between Washington and Moscow.
The Western media outlet added: Trump’s peace plan has also intensified Europe’s concerns about America’s commitment to NATO. Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said last week: “Europeans no longer know which alliances can be trusted and which ones will remain stable.”
Reuters wrote: Even with the EU’s 180-billion-euro aid to Ukraine, European leaders have so far been unable to exert influence over the terms of the peace agreement.
The Western outlet added: The end of Russia’s isolation and its reintegration into the Western economy would provide billions of dollars to rebuild the country’s military capabilities. Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, stressed: If Russia’s army remains powerful and its military budget stays at current levels, it will be inclined to use that power again.
Reuters wrote: Europe is now “paying the price for not investing in military capabilities in recent years” and still lacks the leverage needed for an effective presence at the negotiation table.