CDU’s Norbert Röttgen warns against excessive optimism regarding the planned meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ankara. He sees Putin’s behavior as a calculated move and cautions against having unrealistic expectations. Röttgen emphasizes the need for Europe to take action and impose sanctions if Putin refuses to participate in the meeting, as empty words would be detrimental. He also calls for a clear strategy from the US, urging closer ties between Trump and Europe while demonstrating their own ability to act. Röttgen advocates for a dual approach of economic pressure on Russia and military support for Ukraine as a precondition for a political solution, which he believes can only be achieved through pressure rather than voluntary action from Putin. He also highlights the importance of including weapons systems like the Taurus in this approach.
Röttgen: Peace Talks in Ankara Are Just a Tactic, Warns CDU Foreign Policy Expert.
