US‑Russia talks sideline Europe in push for Ukraine peace
The United States and Russia are beginning to ease tensions. At the same time, Europe watches helplessly as the two superpowers negotiate the terms of a future agreement to end the war in Ukraine, comments "La Vanguardia."
On Tuesday, global attention turned to Riyadh, where representatives of the United States and Russia met to discuss the preliminary terms for ending the war in Ukraine.
Russia and the USA act independently
As US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced, Europe will eventually be given a place at the negotiating table because "to end the conflict, there must be concessions from all sides."
"On the approach of the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Europe watches helplessly as the USA and Russia negotiate the terms of a future peace agreement in Ukraine independently," comments the Catalan daily "La Vanguardia."
According to "La Vanguardia", the Trump administration aims for a swift resolution of the conflict, which involves returning occupied territories to Russia and reintegrating it with the global system.
"Everything suggests that Putin's main goal is not only to exit the crisis and restore relations but also to reform the security system and bring Ukraine under Russian geopolitical influence, which means no foreign troops, Ukrainian army, and full sovereignty," the newspaper assesses.
The daily notes that the Trump administration's previous steps "appeal" to the Kremlin. Russia is looking for territorial gains and a new economic opening, including lifting sanctions and returning Western companies to the Russian market.
The meeting of European leaders in Paris demonstrated that the EU can show unity despite being sidelined by the USA. However, Europe remains divided on the issue of deploying troops to Ukraine. "La Vanguardia emphasizes that the EU's weakness on this matter places it behind the United States.
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