The recent US-Ukrainian summit in Mar-a-Lago has underscored a stark disparity in approaches to achieving peace in Ukraine, prompting a forceful call from Franziska Brantner, co-leader of the German Green Party, for intensified European support. Brantner’s remarks, delivered to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, characterized the summit proceedings as revealing the efforts genuinely underway to secure a resolution.
“The bizarre scenes emanating from Mar-a-Lago are illuminating – they clearly demonstrate who is truly invested in achieving peace in Ukraine: President Zelenskyy” she stated. While Zelenskyy has reportedly offered ceasefires and significant concessions toward a potential peace agreement, Brantner emphasized that these overtures have been met with intensified Russian bombing campaigns, escalating casualties and continued destruction.
A particular point of contention raised by Brantner was the ambiguity surrounding US President Donald Trump’s assertion that Russian President Vladimir Putin desires a “successful Ukraine”. The statement has fueled speculation regarding Trump’s underlying political agenda and the potentially inconsistent messaging coming from the United States regarding its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Brantner argued that the Mar-a-Lago summit highlights Europe’s imperative to forge its own path toward decisive action. “It’s increasingly clear that Europe is destined to act collectively and autonomously. We Europeans must increase the pressure to make a genuine peace possible by 2026”. She specifically advocated for disrupting Russia’s shadow fleet and leveraging Russian assets to directly support Ukraine’s war effort.
The Green Party leader also directly addressed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), urging him to fulfill his pledge to supply Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles. “Above all” Brantner continued, “we must financially empower Ukraine to expand its domestic munitions production capabilities, enabling them to effectively defend themselves”. The comments reflect a growing sentiment within Germany – and across Europe – that a more assertive and coordinated response is crucial to stemming Russian aggression and securing a sustainable peace in Ukraine, while questioning the reliability and predictability of US support.