We gave this man billions. The least he could do is show respect.
Lasting peace agreement “cannot rest on the word” of Putin, former US envoy to NATO says
Security guarantees will be a critical component to any kind of lasting peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, one former US ambassador to NATO said, because “the outcome cannot rest on the word of Vladimir Putin.”
Nicholas Burns warned that the Russia president “never meets his promises” and it will be up to the United States and European countries to continue to put pressure on Moscow to hold up their end of the bargain.
“That’s why this security force of the countries led by Britain and France is so important for the future and I think it’s encouraging that the European leaders are there today,” the former ambassador added.
More than half dozen leaders, including the heads of the UK, France, Italy, German as well as the European Commission and NATO chiefs are at the White House. They are expected to meet with US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later.
Burns said “pressure has to be applied on Putin by President Trump and the Europeans together.” He said by meeting with the Russian president in Alaska on Friday, Trump has “deserted the European position” so far, but that could be reconsidered during meetings today.
Never underestimate the influential power of a first lady.
With that in mind, the Oval Office meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky clearly got off on far more collegial — and presidential — footing today after the Ukrainian leader presented a letter from his wife for Trump to give to Melania Trump.
It was a gesture, but perhaps a critically important one as Trump went on to deliver some of his most robust assurances yet that the United States would not abandon Ukraine. “It’s never the end of the road,” he said, when asked whether the summit needed to end with some resolution, one way or the other.
While Trump made clear it was the burden of Europe to play the leading role in guaranteeing any peace, his vow to maintain US involvement was critically important.
“They are first line of defense, because they’re there, Europe,” Trump said. “But we’re going to help them out. Also, we’ll be involved.”
