Germany urges Trump to avoid ‘make a deal and leave’ Ukraine policy

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) - German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday cautioned the US against hastily entering peace negotiations with Russia over Ukraine, warning of far-reaching consequences for allies.

“I am convinced that a mere ‘make a deal and leave’ would weaken us all: Ukraine and Europe – but also the United States,” Steinmeier said, in his opening speech at the Munich Security Conference.

He noted that following US President Donald Trump's phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, possible ways to end the war would be the focus of this year's security conference.

“Everyone wants this war to end. But how this war ends will have a lasting impact on our security order and on the power position of Europe and America in the world,” Steinmeier said. He stressed the critical need to preserve transatlantic unity and maintain support for Ukraine.

“Every scenario – whether before or after the end of fighting – requires our joint deterrence and strength. That is why, in every scenario, our support for Ukraine must continue – that of the Europeans and that of the Americans,” he added.