Trump administration pushes for Ukraine ceasefire by Easter, pressuring European allies

The Trump administration has informed European officials of its intention to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine by Easter, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

The ambitious timeline, which includes negotiations beginning this week in Saudi Arabia between top US and Russian officials, has raised concerns among European diplomats who view it as potentially unrealistic, Caliber.Az reports, citing Bloomberg.

A resolution by the end of the year is seen as a more probable outcome, according to one source, who added that officials remain in a "wait-and-see" mode. The White House National Security Council declined to comment on the matter.

Trump initiated his peace efforts with a call to Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, a move that took many European officials by surprise. Further concerns arose when US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that European nations would bear responsibility for security guarantees and peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine following any agreement.

"It looks a bit like appeasement from here," said Christoph Heusgen, Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, in an interview with Bloomberg Television.

As Trump presses for a swift resolution to the conflict, European governments are working on a major defence spending package to support Kyiv. However, officials have indicated that the plan will not be announced until after the German elections on February 23 to avoid political controversy.

A select group of EU leaders has been invited to Paris on February 17 to discuss a coordinated response. US officials have made clear that Washington is reaching the limits of its involvement and expects European nations to assume greater responsibility for security in the region.

The shift in US policy under Trump has fundamentally altered the transatlantic relationship. European countries, which have relied heavily on US military support since the end of World War II, are now being urged to strengthen their own defence capabilities.

"The overall consensus was that the United States was no longer going to foot the bill for NATO security," said Republican Congressman Michael McCaul, reflecting on discussions at the Munich Security Conference. "Our European allies recognize that it is time for them to step up to the plate in their own backyard."

With Trump accelerating peace talks, European officials fear that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may be pressured into an unfavourable settlement unless swift military support is assured. European leaders are now racing to develop a strategy that ensures Kyiv has the necessary backing to negotiate from a position of strength.

By Vugar Khalilov