On April 29, 2025, Acting Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock cautioned US President Donald Trump against agreeing to a dictated peace for Ukraine during negotiations with Russia. This warning came during a meeting on the Danish island of Bornholm, where Baerbock gathered with her counterparts from the Nordic and Baltic states, as well as from Poland and France, to discuss pressing security issues in the region.
Baerbock emphasized that the goal of any peace agreement should be to ensure a sustainable peace that eliminates the potential for further Russian aggression. She remarked, "It is not in the interest of the USA that a deal is closed that leads to further aggression," highlighting the precarious nature of the current geopolitical landscape.
The backdrop of this meeting was marked by an alarming increase in hybrid threats, with Baerbock pointing out that submarine cables were being cut, data lines severed, and power cables damaged. She stated, "The Russian shadow fleet does not only fill the Russian war chest, but poses a threat to security and the environment in the North and Baltic Sea, too." This shadow fleet, composed of vessels operating under false flags, is suspected of attempting to circumvent sanctions imposed on Russia due to its ongoing war against Ukraine.
Baerbock's concerns reflect a broader unease among European nations regarding Russia's aggressive posture. As she prepares to transition to her new role as President of the UN General Assembly in September, the urgency of the discussions on Bornholm underscores the challenges that lie ahead.
In her remarks, Baerbock noted the significant rise in hybrid attacks in recent years, stating, "We have seen that the hybrid attacks have increased in the last three and a half years." This acknowledgment of escalating threats was echoed by her counterparts, who recognized the need for a coordinated response to safeguard critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
The meeting also served as a farewell for Baerbock, who received a Lego model of New York City as a parting gift from her colleagues. This gesture, while lighthearted, was a reminder of the serious issues at hand, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the complex relationship with the United States under Trump's leadership.
As Baerbock prepares to hand over her responsibilities to Johann Wadephul, the expected successor from the CDU party, she expressed the importance of maintaining continuity in Germany's foreign policy. "Foreign policy lives on reliability and continuity," she remarked, urging her successor to remain committed to an active foreign policy that addresses current crises decisively.
The discussions on Bornholm were not only focused on Russia's actions but also on the broader implications of Trump's potential peace negotiations. Baerbock's insistence that a dictated peace would not serve the interests of the USA or Europe reflects a unified stance among European leaders against any agreement that could embolden further aggression from Russia.
During the meeting, Baerbock and her counterparts also addressed the recent three-day ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which she warned should not be misconstrued as a genuine commitment to peace. "The three-day ceasefire announced by Vladimir Putin should not obscure that the Russian president continues to target the European peace order," she cautioned, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the face of ongoing threats.
Furthermore, the issue of damaged undersea cables in the Baltic Sea has raised suspicions of sabotage. Baerbock and her colleagues are keenly aware that these cables are vital for communication and energy supplies, and they are determined to enhance protective measures against potential Russian interference.
In light of these challenges, Baerbock advocated for increased patrols in the Baltic Sea to counter the activities of the Russian shadow fleet. She stated, "We need to act more decisively against Putin's shadow fleet," calling for a collaborative effort to strengthen security in the region.
The geopolitical landscape remains fraught with tension, as Baerbock's tenure as Foreign Minister comes to a close. Her commitment to a robust European response to Russian aggression and her emphasis on the importance of transatlantic unity will likely shape the discussions in the months to come.
As she prepares to transition to her new role at the UN, Baerbock's experiences and insights will undoubtedly inform her approach to international diplomacy. The challenges posed by both Russia and the shifting dynamics of US foreign policy under Trump will require a delicate balance of assertiveness and cooperation.
In her farewell address, Baerbock expressed gratitude for the support of her colleagues and emphasized the need for continued collaboration among European nations. "Our cohesion is our life insurance," she stated, underscoring the importance of solidarity in facing the uncertain future.
As the meeting concluded, the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and mutual respect, with Baerbock leaving behind a legacy of advocacy for active foreign policy and a commitment to addressing global challenges head-on. The discussions on Bornholm may have been her last as Foreign Minister, but her influence will continue to resonate as Europe navigates the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape.
