In the interview with Frank Umbach, international diplomacy surrounding the Ukraine conflict is examined in detail. The political scientist strongly criticizes Europe's exclusion from the discussions between the US and Russia about a potential ceasefire. Particularly after the phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukraine has found itself in an even weaker negotiating position. According to Umbach, this could lead to Ukraine being forced into a "dictated peace" in a future peace process, where the terms are largely set by the great powers.
Umbach notes that Europe’s influence in the negotiations remains minimal, relegating it to a "marginal position" on the international stage. The lack of a clear European strategy for the Ukraine crisis is considered a major problem. Furthermore, the role of the US Secretary of Defense in the recent ceasefire announcement is seen as another factor that could shift the geopolitical balance in favor of Russia. Umbach warns that this situation could lead to negotiation pressures that are not in Ukraine’s best interest, potentially forcing the country into an unfavorable peace agreement.