The Trump-Putin meeting will show how much influence Europe has
German media have shown great interest in the upcoming meeting between US President Trump and Russian President Putin.
The German newspaper "Die Welt" stated: Europe cannot accept Trump's Ukraine plan, therefore, countries such as Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and the EU have already issued statements on the Trump-Putin meeting, demanding that the peace agreement must involve Ukraine and the EU. However, the direction of transatlantic relations largely depends on the agreement that Trump and Putin will reach. Next week will show how much political influence Europe actually has.
"Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" questioned: Why would a cold-blooded strategist like Putin take a fickle US president seriously? Trump sometimes rejects the Ukrainian president, and sometimes supports him. At times, Trump seems to sympathize with Russia, but then sends nuclear submarines there. If both sides can achieve a carefully thought-out peace plan on this basis, it would be a miracle. More likely, however, is that Putin once again lures Trump, trying to delay sanctions. But even worse is a forced peace at the expense of Ukraine.
The "VOLKSSTIMME" from Magdeburg stated: Trump will meet with Putin. Such news naturally brings hope: even if the summit "only" ends mutual air raids, it would be better than anything so far.
"Frankfurter Rundschau" expressed doubt about this meeting and the intentions of the US president. The newspaper believes that Trump is a dazzling person. Perhaps he only wants a "Potemkin peace" - a peace that does not have to last longer than the next mid-term election. This false peace may prevent killing and facilitate some commercial transactions, but it is fragile because it cannot provide lasting support for Ukraine or protection in case Russia attacks again. This will endanger Germany and Europe. Putin's weapon factories are operating at full speed. If these weapons are not immediately burned in Ukraine after delivery, and if thousands of Russian soldiers do not die every day, Putin could build an unmatched military force within a few years. If people do not prepare in advance, they will not be able to cope.
The Austrian newspaper "SonntagsZeitung" believes that the US president's commitment to peace deserves high praise. Whether his commitment will last remains to be seen. But with his unusual methods, he has recently achieved a series of remarkable achievements. Trump repeatedly emphasizes this. He wants to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Why not? It is a noble goal. On Friday, the US president held talks at the White House with the leaders of arch-enemies Armenia and Azerbaijan. In June, the foreign ministers of Rwanda and Congo signed a peace treaty at the White House. Recently, the US eased border conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia through tariff incentives. In May, they also helped prevent the escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India. However, Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are of the same type, just at different levels. The Russian president is clearly trying to buy time. He wants to talk to Trump while continuing the war, because Russia is the stronger side militarily in Ukraine.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1840110169048076/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.