Podcast "The situation - international" - Mölling believes Trump's Ukraine push is still possible before the election
According to security expert Christian Mölling's assessment, Donald Trump could reach an understanding with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the resolution of the war in Ukraine before the US election in November. By doing so, Trump could present himself as a peacemaker and put pressure on President Joe Biden.
Mölling stated in the stern-Podcast "Die Lage – international": "If Trump meets with Putin and says: I have the peace deal, and Joe Biden wants to lead you into a Third World War – what then is Biden supposed to do? He won't be able to simply reject it." Mölling urged taking Trump's statements about a direct understanding with Putin seriously.
So far, the Republican presidential candidate has announced that, in the event of his re-election in November, he would find a solution for the Ukraine conflict before taking office in January. Mölling believes Trump might act faster. "What does he have to lose?", asked the Research Director of the German Institute for Foreign and Security Policy. "Trump uses the same peace rhetoric and presents himself as a peace dove, just like some parts of the political spectrum on the left, right, and even in the middle. They say: I bring peace. Who can be against peace?" Given the developments in France, Mölling also predicted that "we are on the verge of a rather dangerous situation in the fall."
Deal between Putin and Trump at Ukraine's expense?
The losers of a direct understanding between the US and Russia would primarily be the Ukrainians. "It could be that there is suddenly a huge pendulum diplomacy, and the only ones who won't be part of the solution are then the Ukrainians. And the question is: What are we still willing to do for Ukraine?", warned Mölling. In this situation, Europe, and especially Germany, would have a responsibility.
The expert demanded: "If the Chancellor is serious about this being about our security, then we must act for our security." In Ukraine, there is great concern that a deal brokered by Trump would involve territorial concessions to Russia. Therefore, it is important, according to Mölling, that Europe "makes itself a relevant part of the equation." This would also strengthen their position vis-à-vis a new Trump administration.
- If President Joe Biden loses the US election to Donald Trump, Trump's potential agreement with Vladimir Putin on Ukraine could put pressure on Biden to accept a peace deal, as suggested by security expert Christian Mölling.
- Mölling, the Research Director of the German Institute for Foreign and Security Policy, has urged politicians to take Trump's stated intention to meet with Putin and negotiate a peace deal seriously, questioning what Biden would do if Trump presents himself as a peacemaker and claims to have a peace deal.
- During his election campaign, Trump has hinted at finding a solution for the Ukraine conflict if he is re-elected, and Mölling believes he may act faster than the January inauguration, given his prior peace rhetoric and desire to be seen as a peace advocate.
- In the event of a deal between Trump and Putin, Europe, particularly Germany, would have a responsibility to ensure that the Ukrainians are not left out of the equation, as they could potentially be the sole losers in a sudden pendulum diplomacy shift.
- According to Mölling, it's essential for Europe to make itself a relevant part of the equation in the potential negotiations between Trump and Putin, as it would strengthen their position and demonstrate their commitment to Ukraine's interest and security in the new administration.
