DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics Ukraine, US, and Europe: The race for a truce before Christmas
Dec 12, 2025
Ines Paul, DW's Bureau Chief in Washington, discusses the complex dynamics of U.S. diplomacy regarding Ukraine amid Trump's criticisms of Europe’s inaction. She explains his motivations for a rapid truce, including potential concessions from Zelensky. The conversation explores the implications of a peace deal for Ukrainians, the role of security guarantees, and how China's support for Russia complicates matters. Paul also addresses the growing influence of far-right parties in Europe and predicts the future of U.S.-EU relations as rearmament efforts continue.
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Trump Seeks Deals Over Ukraine's Interests
- Donald Trump prioritizes ending the war to strike deals with Vladimir Putin rather than protecting Ukraine's interests.
- He will only meet Volodymyr Zelensky if Zelensky is willing to sign a peace deal Trump accepts.
Security Guarantees Remain Vague
- Germany and other Europeans say Ukraine needs 'ironclad' security guarantees beyond a stronger army.
- But what those guarantees mean in practice remains unclear and politically fraught.
Territorial Options Face Hard Limits
- Proposed options range from demilitarized zones to foreign troop deployments, but Russia rejects any NATO forces in Ukraine.
- Fast-tracked EU membership was discussed but faces strong resistance inside the EU.