The New York Times published an article on May 20, pointing out that US President Trump’s refusal to follow the European Union in imposing new sanctions on Russia indicates a split in NATO.
According to the newspaper’s sources, after talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Trump told EU leaders and Ukrainian President Zelensky that Russia and Ukraine must find their own way to resolve the conflict and that Washington does not intend to join new sanctions against Russia in the near future. The newspaper believes that this approach shows that NATO is split and the differences between the United States and the EU may intensify at the NATO summit in The Hague in June.
The New York Times said that Trump often threatens allies and opponents with sanctions and tariffs, but this time he changed his position. An unnamed White House official said that new anti-Russian restrictions may also hinder the development of American companies, and Trump hopes to avoid this.
The article concludes that the content of the calls between the US President and European leaders and Zelensky shows that the period of active US diplomatic efforts, weapons supply to Kiev and sanctions pressure on Russia is rapidly coming to an end.
On the evening of May 19, Putin and Trump had a phone call for more than two hours. Putin said Moscow was ready to draft a memorandum with Kiev that included a ceasefire. Trump said he would not impose new sanctions on Russia because there was still a chance to resolve the conflict.
