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Morning opening: What does Vladimir Putin want?
On Monday, European leaders voiced strong criticisms directed at Vladimir Putin, condemning Russia’s ongoing military aggression in Ukraine and alleging that he has undermined the peace initiatives previously promoted by the Trump administration.
In contrast, the White House has taken a markedly different stance.
During a joint appearance with El Salvador’s president Nayib Bukele, Trump redirected his criticism toward Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating:
“The mistake was letting the war happen. If Biden were competent. And if Zelenskyy were competent — and I don’t know that he is, we had a rough session with this guy over here.”
“You don’t start a war against somebody that’s 20 times your size and then hope that people give you some missiles.”
While commenting on Putin, his tone shifted to a more conciliatory note as he remarked:
“And you take a look at Putin — I’m not saying anybody’s an angel, but I will tell you, I went four years, and it wasn’t even a question. He would never — and I told him don’t do it. You’re not going to do it.”
In a summary of his views, he asserted that the responsibility for the conflict seems to rest with all parties involved:
“And Biden could have stopped it, and Zelenskyy could have stopped it, and Putin should have never started it. Everybody’s to blame.”
Moreover, remarks from Trump’s representative Steve Witkoff, who recently visited Moscow, provided further insight into ongoing diplomatic efforts.
During an interview with Fox News, Witkoff expressed optimism following a “compelling” five-hour meeting with Russian representatives, suggesting that a peace agreement with Putin was potentially forthcoming.
“Towards the end, we actually came up with – I’m going to say finally, but I don’t mean it in the way that we were waiting; I mean it in the way that it took a while for us to get to this place – what Putin’s request is to get to have a permanent peace,” he stated.
However, he indicated that the conditions for this peace would extend beyond territorial disputes, mentioning security protocols, the cessation of NATO presence, and further comprehensive details tied to the agreement.
“It’s a complicated situation … rooted in … some real problematic things happening between the two countries and I think we might be on the verge of something that would be very, very important for the world at large,” he elaborated.
Witkoff also suggested that there is a potential to “reshape the Russian-United States relationship” through attractive commercial ventures that might enhance stability in the region.
So is there a return to business as usual in sight? This is clearly what Putin seems to be advocating for.
The current dynamics suggest, as noted by Russia expert Luke Harding, that “the truth is that America either wants Russia to win, or doesn’t care if Ukraine loses.”
On that somber note…
It’s Tuesday, 15 April 2025, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
Merz’s Taurus comments spark optimism among Ukraine friends, draw ire from Moscow, frustration from domestic allies
In Germany, comments made by likely new chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding potential support for long-requested Taurus missiles to Ukraine have elicited mixed reactions. These remarks have sparked hope among Ukraine’s allies, displeasure from the Kremlin, and concerns among coalition partners in Berlin.
Merz, anticipated to assume office on May 6, indicated during a Sunday talk show that he would consider sending these long-range missiles to Kyiv as part of a broader support agreement with European allies, a marked shift from current leader Olaf Scholz’s stance.
He suggested these missiles could target the Kerch Bridge, a crucial transportation link between Russia and the Russian-occupied Crimea.
Despite being a notable supporter of Ukraine, popular Social Democrat Boris Pistorius, likely to remain as defence minister, pushed back against Merz’s insinuations that sending Taurus missiles was a forgone conclusion.
Pistorius emphasized that while there are valid reasons for supplying missiles to Ukraine, there are also compelling counterarguments. He also expressed skepticism regarding the notion of coordinated support with European partners, underscoring the lack of similar weapons systems among allies.
The Kremlin responded sharply, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claiming that Merz’s “tougher position” would only escalate tensions regarding Ukraine. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev employed incendiary rhetoric, accusing Merz of harboring neo-Nazi sentiments for his remarks concerning attacks on the Crimean Bridge.
“Chancellor candidate Fritz Merz is haunted by the memory of his father, who served in Hitler’s Wehrmacht. Now Merz has suggested a strike on the Crimean Bridge. Think twice, Nazi!” he wrote on X.
French justice minister to travel to Toulon after prisons attacked with automatic weapons
In France, justice minister Gérald Darmanin is set to visit Toulon after a series of attacks targeting several prisons with gunfire and arson were reported last night.
Reports indicate that a coordinated effort linked to the government’s battle against drug trafficking prompted these violent actions. Prisons in cities including Marseille, Valence, Nîmes, Luynes, Villepinte, and Nanterre were affected.
Serbian students on final stretch of ‘Tour de Strasbourg’ to highlight corruption allegations
In Serbia, a large grassroots protest movement against corruption has advanced over the past four months, showcasing ongoing demonstrations that have drawn significant public attention and posed challenges to the government led by president Aleksandar Vučić.
Since early April, a group of approximately 80 students has undertaken a 1,300-kilometer cycling journey to Strasbourg, France, intending to bring their campaign against government corruption to the attention of EU authorities.
“Europe has been asleep for too long,” said Vladimir Beljanski from the Vojvodina Bar Association, emphasizing the need for Europe to engage with Serbia’s issues. “Serbia is part of Europe. We are not a wild Balkan tribe where resources can be extracted while ignoring the rule of law, quite the opposite.”
The protests initiated in November in response to a tragic train station mishap that killed 16 people, evolving into broader demands for increased government accountability amid rising authoritarianism.
Despite the significant public response, the EU’s reaction has been moderate, with little direct criticism of Vučić. The student cyclists hope their arrival in Strasbourg today, along with a planned rally near the EU parliament and the European Court of Human Rights, will enhance international awareness of their struggle.
“Instead of getting answers – we got batons. Instead of dialogue – we got censorship,” they stated in communications aimed at tracking their initiative. “We grew up believing freedom and justice were basic human rights. Now we see them as privileges being stripped away.”
Key questions for Ukraine’s European allies – analysis
David Shimer, a former director on Biden’s national security council for Eastern Europe and Ukraine, highlights pressing concerns regarding the future of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, raising essential questions for Ukraine’s European supporters.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine stands at a pivotal juncture: the Trump administration’s approach appears increasingly ineffective, with U.S. military assistance on the verge of cessation.
Since taking office, Trump has not authorized military support packages for Ukraine. Even if a change in this policy were to occur, sustaining long-term support would require Congressional approval, which seems unlikely under the current Republican leadership.
Putin appears to be delaying the Trump administration’s faltering attempts at establishing a ceasefire while awaiting a decrease in U.S. military supplies.
While European leaders have intensified efforts to bolster Ukraine in the absence of robust U.S. support, critical discussions about establishing a post-war reassurance force remain essential even as the conflict continues.
Two primary inquiries for Ukraine’s European allies emerge: how can Ukraine endure amidst diminishing U.S. support, bolstered by its own domestic arms production, European security assistance, and U.S. intelligence sharing?; and what strategies exist to finance this crucial support?
‘Not good for Europe to be security vassal of the US,’ JD Vance says
In a separate development, U.S. vice-president JD Vance articulated his perspective on European policy in an interview, expressing concerns over Europe’s reliance on U.S. security.
“It’s not good for Europe to be the permanent security vassal of the United States,” he remarked, while emphasizing his admiration for Europe despite his critical remarks made in recent engagements.
Vance took an opportunity to criticize Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy for “absurd” allegations regarding the Trump administration’s stance and expressed discontent with European leaders in relation to migration policy.
He further indicated that most European nations fall short in their defense capabilities, highlighting the need for stronger military resources, while praising the UK’s, France’s, and Poland’s defense structures.
Vance’s call for a more independent European approach to security indicated a desire for Europe to find its own path rather than solely aligning with U.S. directives.
This comprehensive interview offers key insights into the vice-president’s views – read more here.
Source
www.theguardian.com