Negotiating with the US Behind the EU's Back: Political Analyst Reveals Russia's New Negotiation Traps
The Kremlin is trying to exclude Europe from negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine and is making absurd demands on NATO. Moscow is also seeking to reach an agreement with the U.S. behind its allies’ backs in order to drive a wedge between the bloc’s members.
Political analyst Maxim Dzhygun spoke about this on 24 Channel. According to him, European representatives must secure their place at the negotiating table so that Moscow does not shift the entire burden of dealing with the aftermath of the war onto them. The expert emphasized that the Kremlin’s absurd calls for Finland to leave NATO or for NATO troops to withdraw from Estonia directly threaten the security of the entire continent.
Institutions Are More Important Than Individual Politicians
Analyzing a possible format for European representation at the negotiations, Dzhygun stressed the need to involve leaders of European institutions rather than individual politicians. After all, the positions of individual public figures may change under the influence of the electoral process, whereas pan-European bodies remain a more reliable pillar of support for Ukraine.
“We need to have friends within the institutions, not just among politicians, because politicians come and go, but institutions are what European unity actually rests upon,”
– Dzhygun stated.
In this context, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas is adopting the right rhetoric. She defends the interests of all 27 member states and does not allow the Kremlin to drag the continent into discussions about a security architecture that benefits the aggressor.
What traps has Russia set in the negotiations: watch the video on 24 Channel
The Kremlin is setting traps
The analyst drew particular attention to the Russian side’s attempts to impose the concept of bilateral non-aggression treaties on European countries. According to Moscow’s plan, this would allow it to wait for far-right forces to come to power in Germany or France and deprive the Scandinavian and Baltic states of a defensive shield provided by their nuclear partners and the continent’s major economies.
At the same time, the political scientist praised the stance of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who insists on the immediate allocation of financial aid to Ukraine and opposes Russian espionage and manipulation centers in Europe.
Merz’s stance is rational. He has become the first chancellor to so openly oppose Russia and limit its influence on all fronts. This is a matter of Germany’s security and of countering right-wing populists,
– Dzhygun emphasized.
Earlier, the political scientist explained why it is important for Ukraine that European representatives participate in the peace talks. This is a "kind of safeguard against making unacceptable decisions" behind closed doors.