Commentary: Ukraine peace deal

"The ongoing negotiations on a ceasefire and peace in Ukraine are wrought with traps set by the Russian leadership mirroring the enticement from Nazi-era officials of the benefits of appeasement.

"As the US continue to negotiate in the greatest faith with Vladimir Putin, Europe is doing all that it can to soften what have been difficult and uncompromising deals offered to the Ukrainian President.

"Throughout this all, a gap widens in the transatlantic relationship, and Europe begins to think of what life without America looks like, from trade to defence.

"Central to all of this is the need to remember our past, that you cannot negotiate with dictators - and no trust can be gained from those who further violence against their neighbours. Will Europe learn? Time will tell."