Europe doubts possibility of lasting ceasefire in Ukraine – WP

Many in Europe are sceptical about the likelihood of achieving a lasting ceasefire in Ukraine in the near future. 

Source: The Washington Post, citing an unnamed European official, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The publication states that European officials accuse Russian leader Vladimir Putin of delaying a ceasefire in order to extract concessions and drive a deeper wedge between Europe and the Trump administration.

Europe controls the sanctions Russia wants lifted, including exclusion from the Belgium-based SWIFT international payment system. However, European leaders remain firm. As one official said, if the Kremlin wants to talk sanctions, "everyone will have to talk to us".

At the same time, diplomats fear that Europe could be accused of obstructing peace talks due to its tough stance. This may put Europe and the US on a collision course, especially as they are already in conflict over trade and defence.

European leaders have now turned to one of Trump’s favourite phrases – "peace through strength". French President Emmanuel Macron said on 27 March that this does not mean "starting by lifting sanctions". He stated that Europe would continue to "convey our vision" in dialogue with the United States and that "we must be able to defend our interests".

Still, many in Europe doubt a long-term ceasefire will be achieved any time soon, an unnamed European official said. Some diplomats described European plans – including the potential deployment of troops to Ukraine – as an exercise in preparation and leverage-building.

European officials acknowledge that easing sanctions will eventually be part of negotiations, though in their view, a temporary ceasefire must come first. Only then can talks return to issues like sanctions.

Background: 

• Following talks in Saudi Arabia on 23–25 March, the US, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a ban on strikes against energy facilities – but this agreement has not been upheld in practice. Russia continues to attack Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
• President Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine will prepare evidence of Russia violating the energy ceasefire and submit it to the United States, expecting a proper response.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!