The moment when Trump “lit the light”, in the discussion with the European leaders. One person managed to explain the stretched trap of Putin

The Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte explained to Trump why Ukraine cannot give up the areas of Donets that he still controls, because that would mean that he will abandon a series of strong fortified cities and defense lines. At least for now, the White House leader seems to have understood, writes the German magazine der Spiegel.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte understood how Donald Trump thinks and has acquired the experience needed to formulate messages so that the US president understands, writes Der Spiegel.

Specifically, the messages must be simple and preferably flattering for the White House leader.

Rutte's abilities were visible on Wednesday during the discussion with the US president, European leaders and Ukrainian president Volodimir Zelenski, in preparing the Trump-Vladimir Putin Summit on Friday.

The meeting was organized at the invitation of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who played a major role in the diplomatic offensive meant to ensure that Trump will not provide concessions to Russia in Friday negotiations.

But Rutte is the one who noticed.

A highway to Kyiv

The Secretary General of NATO was criticized in June at the NATO summit in The Hague, when he launched a number of compliments to the US president.

Recently, he sparked astonishment, recognizing, just before the Summit on Friday, that Ukraine could have to accept de facto Russian control over parts of its occupied territory, as part of a future peace agreement.

At the discussion on Wednesday, however, the participants welcomed Rutte's constructive role, writes Der Spiegel.

The Secretary General of NATO had the role of explaining to Trump why Ukraine cannot give in to Donets that still controls, because that would mean that it will abandon a series of cities and strong fortified lines in the Russians.

If Russia were allowed to permanently control cities as part of an exchange of territories, it would open a “highway to Kiev” for Russian troops to take control of the capital.

The participants told that they saw the “light lit up” for Trump, who then transmitted that they do not intend to provide concessions to Russia, in Friday negotiations.

A speech that provides reasons for optimism

If Trump will keep the word, that remains to be seen.

The first public statements of the US President after the conversation strengthened the impression of Europeans that their efforts were not in vain.

Trump told Washington that he had “a very good telephone call”, one of the ten note.

But more importantly, at least from the perspective of Berlin, was that Trump reiterated some of the key points proposed by Europeans: the meeting in Alaska will be only a preliminary discussion, and only afterwards could the actual peace negotiations begin, which the Ukrainian president should participate.

And if things go wrong, Trump has threatened Russia with punitive measures. Although he did not give details, he spoke about “very serious consequences”.

Europeans have previously told the American leader that Putin will not take a step back if the US will not increase the pressure on Russia.