Thread by @onlydjole

🇪🇺🇺🇸🇺🇦🇷🇺‼️Europe is looking for new tactic: Trump's assessment of Putin's moves is awaited‼️

August 20, 2025

European officials are increasingly openly expressing doubts that Vladimir Putin really wants to reach a peace agreement, which is why they have devised a new strategy, writes Politico. 👇

According to the portal, they decided to please and praise Donald Trump for the time being, until he too comes to the conclusion that it is necessary to take a tougher stance towards the Kremlin.

In Brussels, they believe that this approach is a winning combination. They say that they would be satisfied if they were proven wrong and if the American president managed to ensure an end to the conflict with firm security guarantees.

However, the basic plan is based on exposing the Russian leader and lobbying for tougher sanctions. French President Emmanuel Macron, who previously made great efforts to prevent conflict through diplomacy, now says that Putin is not sincere about peace. 👇

"Do I think President Putin wants peace? The answer is no. If you want my deepest conviction: No. Do I think President Trump wants peace? Yes," Macron said ahead of his trip to Washington. According to him, Putin does not want an agreement, but the capitulation of Ukraine.

Politico reminds that instead of a compromise, Moscow is asking Kiev for additional territories, including key defense positions. In addition, it expressly rejects the presence of NATO forces as security guarantees, which Kiev sees as a necessary condition.

While the idea of a Russia-Ukraine summit is being considered, European officials have held a series of meetings to coordinate a joint response and share intelligence after consultations at the White House. 👇

According to five diplomats who spoke anonymously, most share Macron's opinion. Although they are skeptical that the Kremlin would negotiate in good faith, they are optimistic that Washington will respond with additional measures if Putin turns out to be the main obstacle.

Europeans believe that American sanctions are crucial, and many believe that it was trade pressure that led Putin to meet with Trump.

As a next step, the tightening of sanctions aimed at limiting Russia's trade with China is being considered. Trump, meanwhile, received high praise from allies, who expressed gratitude for hosting the talks and relief after he confirmed the US would play a role in providing security assurances to Ukraine. 👇

Behind closed doors, however, the emphasis is on preparing new economic measures in case Moscow rejects a compromise. "Everyone goes through formalities," said one of the diplomats, adding that it remains unclear what could motivate Putin to make concessions.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow does not reject talks, but that a gradual approach is needed. Putin proposed that the summit be held in Russia, which was immediately rejected. One German official estimated that this very hesitation is a test of Russia's seriousness.

European diplomacy is working quickly: An extraordinary meeting of EU ambassadors was held, and a concrete proposal for Zelensky and Putin is expected within a week. 👇

Trump hinted that the US air force could be deployed, while European countries would consider a troop presence for protection. In the process, the allies adjusted their "red lines", and the EU relaxed its demand that Russia accept a ceasefire before negotiations.

"There was hope that Trump might change his position on the ceasefire issue. That has not happened," said one diplomat. However, it is crucial that the American president also began to publicly express doubts about Putin's intentions.

"We'll find out in the coming weeks ... It's possible he doesn't want a deal," Trump told Fox News. "I hope that President Putin will be good, and if he is not, it will be a difficult situation."