European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during discussions on deeper EU-Canada ties.
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are reportedly moving towards a broad agreement that could reshape Europe’s security arrangements and potentially affect the continent’s political future.
Trump said he had discussed a major deal with Putin to end the war in Ukraine, suggesting that the agreement could extend beyond the conflict and involve the whole of Europe.
Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Trump described the proposed agreement as a “big, beautiful deal”, adding that everyone would be satisfied with the outcome.
His remarks followed a meeting with Kirill Dmitriev, a senior aide to Putin, while US special envoy Jared Kushner indicated that discussions were focused on establishing a broader European security framework.
Kushner identified five key areas under consideration, including permanent security consultations, improved crisis communication, military transparency and measures to reduce the risk of escalation.
However, the reported discussions have raised concerns among European officials that Washington and Moscow could negotiate arrangements affecting the continent without giving Ukraine and its European allies sufficient influence.
European leaders are reportedly preparing their response ahead of fresh US-mediated peace talks involving Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi next week.
The proposed agreement comes amid longstanding disagreements over NATO’s eastward expansion, with Moscow seeking changes to Europe’s existing security arrangements.
[NIGERIAN TRIBUNE]
