The German Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, believes that President Trump overestimates his influence on President Putin. Trump and Putin spoke for two hours on Monday about a ceasefire in the Ukraine war, but no concrete results emerged, similar to previous attempts by Trump to shift Russia's stance.
Pistorius pointed out that the situation worsened in February when the US ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine and tacitly acknowledged Russia's territorial claims. "You don't do that before negotiations even begin. It puts you in a weak position for peace or ceasefire talks," Pistorius said in an interview with Deutschlandfunk.
Trump described the call as "very good" and claimed that Russia and Ukraine would start direct negotiations, mediated by the Vatican. Putin, however, was vague, only mentioning a framework for future talks. A ceasefire, as desired by Ukraine and the EU, remains unlikely.
Pistorius expressed disappointment: "My expectations were already low, and they weren't met. Nothing is happening except delays. Putin continues his attacks on Ukraine. If he wanted peace, he could achieve it immediately."
Pistorius does not believe Trump intended to harm European interests but thinks he misjudged his position. He stressed that negotiations will only progress if pressure on Putin increases through financial and military support for Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia.