Latest news with #HelsinkiSummit
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump alone in a room with Putin is a recipe for disaster – just look to their last meeting
The lessons of Helsinki are clear: putting Donald Trump alone in a room with Vladimir Putin is an unpredictable – and often dangerous – affair. It was 2018 when the two leaders met at the invitation of Sauli Niinistö, the Finnish president, to discuss a collapse in US-Russia relations, accusations of elections interference, and the grinding war in east Ukraine, among other topics. By the time he came out of the room, Trump looked dazzled by the Kremlin leader. Asked at a press conference about the conclusions of the US intelligence community that Russia had interfered in the elections, Trump said: 'President Putin says it's not Russia. I don't see any reason why it would be.' Fiona Hill, Trump's senior Kremlin adviser on the US national security council, later said that she had considered pulling a fire alarm or faking a medical emergency to end the press conference. Related: Mutual inconvenience: why Alaska for the Trump-Putin summit on Ukraine? Somehow, the stakes are even higher as Trump and Putin plan to meet on Friday in Anchorage, Alaska, where Trump has said the two will discuss 'land swapping' in Putin's first meeting with a G7 leader since his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. European leaders are fearful that Trump could once again emerge from a closed-door meeting preaching the Kremlin gospel. The White House has been lowering expectations for the summit – a sign that no concrete deal is on the table. 'This is really a feel-out meeting, a little bit,' Trump said during a news conference on Monday. He said he would know within the first few minutes whether or not Putin was ready for a ceasefire and would pass that on to Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. 'I may say, 'Lots of luck, keep fighting.' Or I may say, 'We can make a deal,'' he said. But Putin will still try his luck to shape Trump's image of what a peace deal could entail in a way that will bring maximum benefit to the Kremlin. Putin 'wants a deal with Trump that will be presented to Kyiv and other European capitals as a fait accompli,' wrote John Herbst, senior director of the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center and a former ambassador to Ukraine. The lack of invites for European leaders 'has the smell of the Yalta Conference in 1945 … where the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom decided the fate of half of Europe over the heads of those nations'. Europe and Ukraine have pushed back. Ahead of the summit, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine would not cede Russia territory that it could use to launch a new offensive, effectively ruling out Trump's predictions that 'there will be some [land] swapping'. The ad-hoc nature of Trump's approach to foreign policy can play into the hands of the US's foreign adversaries – but it has frustrated them too. Leaders like president Xi Jinping of China are said to prefer more advance work before getting into the room with Trump specifically because of his unpredictability. Russia too has become frustrated with the lack of process in the Trump administration. But that has not stopped Putin from taking his chances by stepping into the ring with Trump for their first one-on-one meeting of this administration. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said on Tuesday that the meeting between Trump and Putin would be one-on-one, and a 'listening exercise' for Trump during which he could suss out the Russian point of view. 'That's the way Trump does it. He just wings it,' said Hill, the former presidential aide. 'And Putin likes sparring … he prides himself on being able to be light on his feet in these kinds of settings,' she said. The lack of advisers in the room has raised a key question: will any agreements made in a private setting, even if interpreters or other notetakers are present, lead to lasting outcomes? 'It's kind of like a meeting falling in the forest,' said Hill. A similar event took place during the Helsinki summit, when Trump exited the room and said that he had made an agreement with Putin for US law enforcement to have access to the GRU operatives accused of influencing the US elections. Putin later said in turn that he would have access to Americans responsible for pushing for the anti-corruption Magnitsky Act. 'Of course, that went nowhere,' Hill said. 'Trump hadn't fully understood what Putin had said to him.' 'In other words, you know, there is a meeting or something, it doesn't solidify into something,' she said.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Trump alone in a room with Putin is a recipe for disaster – just look to their last meeting
The lessons of Helsinki are clear: putting Donald Trump alone in a room with Vladimir Putin is an unpredictable – and often dangerous – affair. It was 2018 when the two leaders met at the invitation of Sauli Niinistö, the Finnish president, to discuss a collapse in US-Russia relations, accusations of elections interference, and the grinding war in east Ukraine, among other topics. By the time he came out of the room, Trump looked dazzled by the Kremlin leader. Asked at a press conference about the conclusions of the US intelligence community that Russia had interfered in the elections, Trump said: 'President Putin says it's not Russia. I don't see any reason why it would be.' Fiona Hill, Trump's senior Kremlin adviser on the US national security council, later said that she had considered pulling a fire alarm or faking a medical emergency to end the press conference. Somehow, the stakes are even higher as Trump and Putin plan to meet on Friday in Anchorage, Alaska, where Trump has said the two will discuss 'land swapping' in Putin's first meeting with a G7 leader since his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. European leaders are fearful that Trump could once again emerge from a closed-door meeting preaching the Kremlin gospel. The White House has been lowering expectations for the summit – a sign that no concrete deal is on the table. 'This is really a feel-out meeting, a little bit,' Trump said during a news conference on Monday. He said he would know within the first few minutes whether or not Putin was ready for a ceasefire and would pass that on to Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. 'I may say, 'Lots of luck, keep fighting.' Or I may say, 'We can make a deal,'' he said. But Putin will still try his luck to shape Trump's image of what a peace deal could entail in a way that will bring maximum benefit to the Kremlin. Putin 'wants a deal with Trump that will be presented to Kyiv and other European capitals as a fait accompli,' wrote John Herbst, senior director of the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center and a former ambassador to Ukraine. The lack of invites for European leaders 'has the smell of the Yalta Conference in 1945 … where the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom decided the fate of half of Europe over the heads of those nations'. Europe and Ukraine have pushed back. Ahead of the summit, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine would not cede Russia territory that it could use to launch a new offensive, effectively ruling out Trump's predictions that 'there will be some [land] swapping'. The ad-hoc nature of Trump's approach to foreign policy can play into the hands of the US's foreign adversaries – but it has frustrated them too. Leaders like president Xi Jinping of China are said to prefer more advance work before getting into the room with Trump specifically because of his unpredictability. Russia too has become frustrated with the lack of process in the Trump administration. But that has not stopped Putin from taking his chances by stepping into the ring with Trump for their first one-on-one meeting of this administration. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said on Tuesday that the meeting between Trump and Putin would be one-on-one, and a 'listening exercise' for Trump during which he could suss out the Russian point of view. 'That's the way Trump does it. He just wings it,' said Hill, the former presidential aide. 'And Putin likes sparring … he prides himself on being able to be light on his feet in these kinds of settings,' she said. The lack of advisers in the room has raised a key question: will any agreements made in a private setting, even if interpreters or other notetakers are present, lead to lasting outcomes? 'It's kind of like a meeting falling in the forest,' said Hill. A similar event took place during the Helsinki summit, when Trump exited the room and said that he had made an agreement with Putin for US law enforcement to have access to the GRU operatives accused of influencing the US elections. Putin later said in turn that he would have access to Americans responsible for pushing for the anti-corruption Magnitsky Act. 'Of course, that went nowhere,' Hill said. 'Trump hadn't fully understood what Putin had said to him.' 'In other words, you know, there is a meeting or something, it doesn't solidify into something,' she said.
Euronews
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Why the EU is essential — and why Türkiye belongs in the bloc
I was just eight when I first glimpsed what cooperation between Türkiye and Europe could look like—not through treaties or official speeches, but through a family story. It was the day my aunt's husband left Manisa, an industrious town in Western Türkiye, to work in Germany. He returned years later with knowledge, skills, and tools that helped our local community flourish. That is the promise of a truly meaningful partnership. Later, in my political career, I observed the volatile relationship between Türkiye and the European Union—a journey marked by both hope and frustration. From the 1999 Helsinki Summit, when Türkiye was granted candidate status, to the 2010s, when negotiations stalled, our path toward full EU membership has been uneven. Missteps and mistrust have occurred on both sides. Today, however, the world is changing rapidly. The war in Ukraine, the rise of authoritarianism and far-right extremism, and renewed debate over Europe's security and global role reveal an urgent truth: Türkiye and Europe must build a common future. 9 May, Europe Day, offers a moment to ask a critical question: What kind of partnership do we want? One defined by short-term transactions and political expedience? Or one rooted in enduring values, shared responsibility, and mutual trust? In a world where democracy is under siege, multilateralism is weakening, peace is no longer a given, and global trade faces protectionist threats, the European Union's moral clarity and democratic commitment are more important than ever. Yes, the EU is under pressure. Populism tests its unity. Migration challenges its compassion. The war in Ukraine demands resilience and resources. Yet precisely in times like these, the EU must double down on its founding principles. As emphasised in former Italian Prime Minister and former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi's report and the Commission's 'Competitiveness Compass,' the EU must act swiftly to sustain prosperity and global relevance in the face of rising competition from the US and China. I firmly believe that a dynamic and democratic Türkiye—one committed to the rule of law and human rights—will play a vital role in a mutually stronger future. As the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), the oldest party of the Turkish Republic and a standard-bearer of its social democratic tradition, I affirm that the future we envision for Türkiye is fundamentally aligned with Europe's values. Our agendas converge in four critical areas: a social Europe that shields its citizens from inequality and insecurity; an inclusive Europe that respects dignity and integrates diversity; a sustainable and innovative Europe where green transition and digital innovation go hand-in-hand; and a dignified Europe where all can live freely, safely, and with opportunity. These are not abstract ideals. They are the foundation for a renewed Europe, and they reflect the aspirations of the Turkish people. My vision for Türkiye is one of a democratic republic built on rule of law, secular governance, human rights, and equality. Gender equality is not a slogan—it is a governing principle. We will rejoin the Istanbul Convention without delay. We are committed to realizing Türkiye's historical potential; a country where no child is deprived of education, no family denied healthcare, no citizen excluded from justice. Following the 31 March 2024 local elections, in which our party emerged as the leading political force, we are advancing a vision of empowered local democracy. Strong municipalities make for a strong democracy. Transparent, participatory governance is not just a method—it is a promise to our citizens from which we derive our own legitimacy. I must also express concern that the EU-Türkiye relationship has, at times, devolved into a transactional arrangement—most notably around migration. This neither honors Europe's values nor reflects Türkiye's contributions. Our country currently hosts over five million refugees and migrants, largely from Syria but also from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Iran, and Iraq. Despite limited means, the Turkish people have shown unmatched generosity. Türkiye also has one of the youngest populations on the continent—a potential engine of renewal and innovation. Yet in recent years, young people have emigrated in large numbers, discouraged by injustice and authoritarianism. Their talents have been stifled. We intend to reverse that trend. Since 19 March, when Istanbul's elected mayor and our presidential candidate, Ekrem İmamoğlu, was unjustly detained, young people have risen in peaceful protest—not for a party, but for principles: judicial independence, electoral fairness, and democratic renewal. They are not a threat. They are our biggest source for hope of a better future. We believe in their future. We believe in their return. We believe in a Türkiye they will want to come back to. A Türkiye that offers not only opportunity, but dignity. One of the slogans we often use in our struggle is inspired by Bertolt Brecht: No salvation alone—either all of us together, or none of us at all. Solidarity is not a choice. It is a necessity. This is a defining moment for Europe. The EU must not look away from Türkiye—a founding member of NATO, a member of the Council of Europe and the OECD, and a long-standing candidate for EU accession. Europe must not ignore Türkiye's young people, its democratic determination, or the opportunity for a renewed partnership grounded in shared values. On this Europe Day, let us go beyond ceremonial words. Let us remember why the EU was built: to heal division, defend democracy, and secure peace. The inclusion of Türkiye in that mission is not a concession—it is a completion. Let this be the generation that chooses unity over exclusion, principles over convenience, and vision over fear. Let us shape a Europe that is truly whole. Happy Europe Day. Özgür Özel is the leader of Türkiye's Republican People's Party (CHP). Members of the MAGA movement in the United States have hit out at the new pope over social media posts he made in which he appeared to criticise President Donald Trump and his deputy JD Vance. Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old from Chicago, became the first ever US pontiff when he was chosen by his fellow cardinals on Thursday, less than three weeks after the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis. Trump was quick to celebrate Prevost's appointment, sending his congratulations and expressing a desire to meet the pontiff, who is now known by the name Leo XIV. "What excitement, and what a great honour for our country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!" Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. However, not everyone in Trump's orbit was pleased by the news from the Vatican. Laura Loomer, a far-right activist who was invited by Trump to the Oval Office in early April, called the new pope "anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open borders and a total marxist like Pope Francis." Her criticism came in response to an article allegedly reposted by Prevost on X. A verified account under his name shared a Washington Post opinion piece written by Cardinal Timothy Dolan in 2015. The article was titled "Why Donald Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric is so problematic." In February, the same account reposted an article — written by the National Catholic Reporter (NCR) — that criticised the US Vice President JD Vance over his comments on the Christian concept of "ordo amoris." "There's this old school – and I think it's a very Christian concept by the way – that you love your family and then you love your neighbour, and then you love your community, and then you love your fellow citizens in your own country, and then after that, you can focus and prioritise the rest of the world," Vance said earlier this year. His interpretation of the doctrine was widely condemned by leading religious figures, with the NCR article shared by Prevost's account concluding "JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others." But unlike Loomer, some Trump allies tried to reserve judgement. "Is it too much to hope that some 20-year-old ran the new pope's X account and he never looked at it?" asked former Fox News host Megyn Kelly.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump says he may meet Putin 'shortly' after May Middle East visit
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on April 23 that he may meet Russian President Vladimir Putin "shortly" following his trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates in May. When asked by reporters whether Trump would meet with Putin in Saudi Arabia during his visit to the Middle East between May 13-16, Trump responded: 'It's possible, but most likely not." "I think we'll meet with him shortly thereafter," Trump added, without providing a specific timeline. Despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations, Trump and Putin have yet to have direct contact, communicating only through their officials. Trump's last in-person encounter with his Russian counterpart was during the 2018 Helsinki Summit during the U.S. president's first term. Trump's advisers have been insistent a conversation with Putin should take place only after Russia agrees to a ceasefire in Ukraine. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is again expected to meet Putin in Moscow on April 25. Earlier in the day on April 23, Trump said that believes a deal between Russia and Ukraine to end Russia's war has been reached. "I think we have a deal with both, I hope they do it," Trump reporters in the Oval Office. Trump has repeatedly proposed brokering a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia with concessions Kyiv has not put on the table. The U.S. is reportedly weighing recognizing Russian control of . Ukraine has already agreed to a U.S.-proposed full 30-day ceasefire, saying on March 11 that Kyiv is ready if Russia also agrees to the terms. So far, Moscow has refused. On April 23, reaffirmed that Ukraine insists on an "immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire." Read also: Kremlin spokesperson reiterates demands for Ukraine to give up territory in exchange for end to war We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
