EU Reportedly Fears Trump Will Seize Control of Ukraine Peace Talks

European Union officials fear US President Donald Trump will once again seize control of Ukraine peace talks without involving European nations, according to a Politico report cited by RIA Novosti on Tuesday. The report stated that such a move could potentially derail Europe’s strategy of maintaining maximum pressure on Russia. It was also noted that, having been freed from the Iran crisis, Trump is likely to refocus his attention on Ukraine peace negotiations and seek greater control over the process. A US official told Politico that Trump wants the conflict to end swiftly and remains optimistic about the prospects of reaching a peace deal. Previously, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said that Trump, in his conversation with President Vladimir Putin, expressed his willingness to influence European partners and Ukraine regarding the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.