USA unnerved: Putin annoys Trump in Ukraine war – Expert sees clear mandate for Europe

Frankfurter Rundschau USA unnerved: Putin annoys Trump in Ukraine war – Expert sees clear mandate for Europe Florian Naumann • 4 hours • 2 minutes reading time "New Era" Peace in the Ukraine war in 24 hours? Donald Trump seems to be failing at more than just that. Expert Ulf Steindl draws a clear conclusion. If Donald Trump was serious, it's long been clear: The US President has failed. Trump wanted to end the Ukraine war in 24 hours. Meanwhile, his own administration even seems to consider a ceasefire as a first, tentative step – after weeks of consultations – increasingly unlikely. Recently, Trump also ranted loudly for the first time about his alleged friend Vladimir Putin: He declared he was "pissed off." Neither a ceasefire nor a peace agreement in Russia's war of aggression are foreseeable, "high-ranking US government officials" now told Reuters. US negotiators are particularly frustrated with Russia; Putin is actively fending off US peace efforts. Defense expert Ulf Steindl, however, does not expect any surprises, as he told the Frankfurter Rundschau in response to an inquiry. He sees a clear task for Europe. Expert does not see Trump changing course on Russia – Europe must "assert itself" Regardless of current developments, nothing new can be expected from Trump, explained Steindl: "The course in Washington remains to reach an understanding with Russia and focus on China." Therefore, the task for Europe also remains unchanged, says the researcher at the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy. Steindl named three concrete points. It is important to "jointly expand our own military capacities, secure room for maneuver for Ukraine through increased support" – and "assert ourselves in this new geopolitical era," said the expert. A roadmap for this already exists with the European Defense Strategy "EDIS" and the "ReArm Europe" plan. This must now be consistently implemented. Europe between Trump and Putin: EU plan presented – US puzzled in Ukraine war "EDIS" stands for "European Defence Industrial Strategy." Presented in spring 2024, the plan sets out goals and measures for the EU defense industry, such as increased cooperation in the purchase of defense equipment. "ReArm Europe" is newer – Ursula von der Leyen presented the paper at the beginning of March. It's primarily about money. With new debt rules, loans, and flexibility in the use of EU funds, €800 billion could be freed up for defense, the Commission President explained. Trump's course, meanwhile, continues to leave questions unanswered. Most recently, the US President threatened Russia with tariffs in the dispute over a ceasefire in Ukraine – but also Europe, for different reasons. The White House also doubts that Putin can be forced into peace through tariffs. Russia is unlikely to be impressed by such economic penalties, a government official told Reuters. But the line of withdrawing from Europe extends beyond Trump. (fn with material from Reuters)