Armin Laschet, Chairman of the German Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee, has expressed skepticism regarding the demonstrably assertive stance recently adopted by US President Donald Trump towards Russia, ahead of his planned meeting with Vladimir Putin. Speaking to a television broadcaster, Laschet noted the fluctuating nature of Trump’s previous approaches.
He highlighted an initial offering of extensive economic ties to Russia, followed by threats of sanctions against third-party nations perceived as friendly to Russia, such as India – a strategy that has since appeared to be abandoned. Consequently, Laschet cautioned that expectations of a fundamentally hardened approach in the upcoming Alaska meeting should be tempered. He characterized the current rhetoric as primarily a signal of intent – a declaration that the President intends to negotiate forcefully – but cautioned against interpreting it as a guarantee of substantial progress.
Laschet emphasized that while Trump has demonstrated a willingness to engage in dialogue, concrete results are now essential. He specifically called for a documented commitment to a ceasefire and the inclusion of Ukraine in any negotiations, asserting that a resolution to the conflict cannot be achieved through a bilateral discussion between the US and Russia alone.
Regarding potential ceasefire monitoring, Laschet suggested an immediate deployment of international forces is unlikely. He proposed initial oversight could involve UN observers or a self-imposed commitment to upholding the ceasefire by the US and Russia, before international involvement becomes feasible.
Laschet further stated that Europe bears responsibility for its exclusion from the negotiations currently taking place in Alaska. He argued that opportunities to initiate such processes existed under the previous administration, outlining a prior strategy focused on military solutions and increased arms deliveries to Ukraine, with the anticipated outcome of a Ukrainian victory. He noted that Trump’s arrival has changed the dynamic, leading to the question of why European participation is necessary given their previous reluctance to engage with Putin. Laschet concluded that this underscores a need for greater strength and self-assertion within European foreign policy to exert influence in such circumstances.