Europe shares red lines with Ukraine on deal with Russia – German analyst

Europe shares red lines with Ukraine on deal with Russia – German analyst

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European leaders must calmly yet firmly articulate to U.S. President Donald Trump their expectations of a peace agreement with Russia, as well as the red lines that they share with Ukraine.

This was stated in a comment to Ukrinform by Ralf Fücks, co-founder and managing director of the Center for Liberal Modernity.

“To openly clash with Trump would not be a very wise policy, but I expect a stronger self-assertive European policy, clearly articulating our interests, our expectations, and also our red lines for any kind of agreement with Russia. And these lines, I think we have in common with Ukraine,” he said.

Fücks specified that this concerns the non-recognition of occupied territories, the absence of any restrictions on Ukraine’s sovereignty in domestic or foreign policy, the fact that Ukraine’s EU accession is not subject to negotiation, and the reinforcement of a ceasefire with reliable security guarantees.

The analyst is convinced that Europeans should discuss this common position with Trump calmly and amicably, as the time when they could simply send their wishes to Washington has passed.

He also expressed hope for a more serious stance by European governments on the war in Ukraine.

Read also: Diplomats shown damage to government building after Russian strike

“Not necessarily sending soldiers to Ukraine. But doing everything that is in our capacity to strengthen Ukraine. Trump always compares the capacity of Ukraine with Russia. Russia has four times as many people. Russia's economy is much bigger than Ukraine's, etc. But if you figure in Europe, the balance of power is completely different. With the European potential behind Ukraine, it's totally in its favor,” Fücks explained.

As reported by Ukrinform, Ralf Fücks, co-founder and managing director of the Center for Liberal Modernity, also argued that “epochal changes” in Germany are not yet complete, as the country still avoids risks and adheres to past considerations.

Secretary of the Treasury of the United States Scott Bessent also announced that the U.S. and Europe are discussing the introduction of new sanctions and secondary tariffs aimed at putting pressure on Russia’s economy.

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