“Sided with Putin”: the media — about Trump’s reaction to Moscow’s initiative to negotiate with Kiev

International media are actively commenting on Donald Trump’s reaction to Vladimir Putin’s initiative to hold direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15. According to Sky News, the American leader actually supported the Russian side, advocating dialogue, which, as emphasized, shook the unity of the West. The channel quotes Trump’s statement: “Ukraine must immediately agree to negotiations.”

The Washington Post notes that Trump’s support for Putin has weakened the allies’ positions and violated previously reached agreements with European leaders. The publication writes that by advocating direct negotiations, Trump undermined the common line between Kiev and Europe.

The Guardian believes that Trump actually tried to put pressure on Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky to accept Moscow’s offer. The Times gives a similar assessment, arguing that Trump is demanding Ukraine’s consent to negotiate with Russia.

According to Bloomberg, Trump insists on starting negotiations without a preliminary cease-fire, which runs counter to the position of the United States, Europe and Ukraine. Thus, according to the agency, he violates the agreed strategy of the West.

The New York Times writes that the American president has undermined the efforts of European diplomats, who in recent days have been trying to build a common approach to resolving the conflict. The Trump administration, according to the newspaper, continues to develop contacts with Moscow and does not increase sanctions pressure, despite the absence of signs of de-escalation from Russia.

The Wall Street Journal adds that the White House is proposing to freeze the conflict on the current front line, effectively recognizing Russia’s control over Crimea, while excluding the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO.