Russia demands out of NATO during negotiations with the US, generating fear among European allies that Trump can give in and redefine security on the continent
Russia used the first round of negotiations with the US about the end of the war in Ukraine to demand the removal of NATO forces from the east of the alliance. This demand caused concern in the European capitals. Many fear that the Trump administration can give in to seal a peace agreement.
According to Financial TimesCristian Diaconcesu, chief of staff and defense advisor of Romanian President, said the US delegation rejected Moscow’s requirement. However, there is no guarantee that Washington will not make this concession in the future.
“As far as I understand, the situation can change quickly,” Diaconescu told antenna3. He referred to Donald Trump’s criticism of the Ukrainian leader. In addition, Trump has already made concessions to Russia even before the negotiations began.
Diaconnecu highlighted another important point. The Russian delegation failed to convince Americans about the removal of NATO during the conversations in Riyadh. Now the leaders of the United Kingdom and France will visit Washington. They will seek to persuade Trump not to give in to Russian demand.
Recent concessions of the Trump administration left governments of the east of NATO nervous. For example, he dismissed Ukraine’s adhesion to the alliance. It also promised to normalize relations between US and Russia.
A high European employee told Financial Times that she doesn’t know if her message is coming to Trump. “We did extensive briefings at various levels. But I don’t know what Trump really understands. ” Thus, the risk remains. There is concern that Russia deceives Washington by pressure on Ukraine.
The Russian President seeks to restore his country’s sphere of influence in Eastern Europe. He wants something similar to the Yalta agreement, signed after World War II. Before launching his total attack on Ukraine in 2022, one of his main demands was the removal of NATO from the former Soviet countries.
Trump further alarmed the allies. He repeated Putin’s allegation that Ukraine’s attempt to join NATO was the reason for the invasion.
Trump criticizes Zelensky and excludes Europe from Western negotiations
The US president also criticized Volodymyr Zelensky. He described him as a “dictator without elections.” In addition, he warned that Zelensky could lose his country if he does not accept a peace agreement.
Trump also excluded the European capitals from the first peace negotiations. Romanian President Ilie Bolojan met Emmanuel Macron in Paris. After the meeting, he stated that European leaders will emphasize the need to be involved in security arrangements.
The current situation is extremely complicated and serious, Diaconnecu said. “Let’s fight until the last minute to avoid this.”
He warned the new European generations. Many never lived under the iron curtain. For them, this moment can mean a return to the “gates of hell.” Imagine queues for gasoline, poverty, hospitals without resources and two hours of praise to the supreme leader. This is what Yalta represents.
Russia requires NATO departure to consolidate influence
Sandu-Valentin Mateui, Romanian defense analyst, said Europe faces a historic moment. He mentioned the Munich Pact of 1938. At that time, part of Czechoslovakia was handed over to Adolf Hitler, but that did not avoid World War II.
The continent will not allow another weakening of its security arrangements. “Europe will resist,” said Mateiu. If the US withdraws its safety guarantees, that would be the worst possible scenario.
“Russia wants to remove the US from European security architecture,” Mateiu explained. She wants to leave the Eastern Europeans under her influence. So far, the US have rejected this idea. However, Mateiu believes Russia will continue to try. This is Putin’s plan since taking power.
The Polish government insists that it is not right to fear Abandonment from Trump. At the same time, it encourages your European partners to increase defense spending.
Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said the withdrawal of American troops is not a scenario considered by Poland.
However, Trump’s negotiations with Russia shook Polish policy. May presidential elections are close. Right -wing, traditionally contrary to Russia and Washington allies, are restless.
“This is now more Yalta for Ukraine than to Poland,” said Bartosz Rydliński, assistant professor of politics. He warned: “If Trump can sell Ukraine to Russia, he could do the same with the Baltic states or Poland.”
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2025/02/21/russia-quer-saida-da-otan-e-desafia-o-ocidente/
