Ukraine’s Press Expresses Doubts and Fears Over Trump-Putin Diplomatic Push
Following the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian media outlets have voiced their skepticism and concerns over the potential diplomatic initiatives underway.
Kyiv Independent’s Scathing Assessment
The Kyiv Independent editorial strongly criticized the outcome of the meeting, arguing that Trump and his team had handed Moscow "exactly what it wanted even before the negotiations began." The editorial指出ed that the Trump administration had dismissed Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations, downplayed the possibility of restoring Ukraine’s pre-invasion borders, and essentially given Russia a free hand in its negotiations.
Ukrainska Pravda Questions American Comprehension
The pro-European online newspaper Ukrainska Pravda questioned whether the US fully understood the implications of the negotiations. The article highlights Russia’s potential to demand more than just Ukraine, asking, "Is it clear on the other side of the ocean that this time Russia will claim more than just Ukraine?" The article further emphasizes that dealing with Russia as an equal negotiator with Ukraine is problematic, and that the world should not forget that Moscow is the aggressor.
Hromadske’s Glimmer of Hope
The independent media outlet Hromadske found some reassurance in the fact that Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The article points out that Trump acknowledged Ukraine’s desire for a peace deal and held Russia responsible for the ongoing war.
Concern over Mineral Deal
Several media outlets reported on the Americans’ request for an agreement on Ukrainian minerals as a "reimbursement" for aid provided to Ukraine. In a Kyiv Post op-ed titled "Freedom Is Not a Transaction," the author argues that while a deal for defense equipment in exchange for minerals might be reasonable in normal circumstances, it is not appropriate in this context. The article emphasizes that Ukraine is fighting for its survival and that ideas of freedom should not be treated as commodities in a business deal.
Trump’s Opportunism
The Kyiv Independent editorial accused Trump of "trying to use the vulnerability of a battered ally to take something from it." The article suggests that the president is taking advantage of Ukraine’s weakened state to secure favorable terms.
Public Acceptance of Negotiation
Despite the criticism in the media, pollster Michael Ashcroft published a survey in the Kyiv Post indicating that the Ukrainian public is increasingly accepting the idea of a negotiated settlement rather than a military resolution. The survey found that only three in ten Ukrainians believe it is possible to recover all Russian-annexed territory and that the country should fight until it does.
Kyiv Independent’s Urgent Appeal
The Kyiv Independent editorial acknowledges the desire for an end to the war but warns that "a compromise with Russia will not end this war." The editorial appeals to European leaders, who are scheduled to discuss the issue, to take action. "There can be no compromise in this war. Russia wins, the West loses. The West wins, Russia loses. Europe, it’s time to act!"
