Bloomberg Talks: Slovenia's Foreign Minister on Ukraine/Russia

Date: December 9, 2025
Guest: Tanja Fajon, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Republic of Slovenia
Host: Bloomberg

Overview

This episode features a candid conversation with Slovenia's Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, focusing on the evolving Ukraine-Russia conflict, current peace negotiations influenced by President Trump and his envoys, and the role of European allies. Minister Fajon, with Slovenia holding the presidency at the UN Security Council, shares her perspective on diplomacy, security guarantees, and Europe's responsibility in fostering just and lasting peace.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Stage: Trump's Peace Proposal

• President Trump (and envoys Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Marco Rubio) has presented a new peace plan to Ukraine, insisting on a rapid response from President Zelensky.
• Concerns surface that the proposal may disproportionately favor Russia and require Ukraine to concede sovereign territory.
• Trump's remarks highlight skepticism of European allies’ resolve and capabilities.

Notable Quote:

“I think they're weak, but I also think that they want to be so politically correct. I think they don't know what to do. Europe doesn't know what to do...”
— Donald Trump (01:29)

Europe’s Position & Desire for Just Peace

[02:14] - Fajon responds to Trump’s critique:

• EU, through security council and directly, is urgently calling for “immediate and unconditional cease fire.”
• Emphasizes the war’s toll: “a lot of civilian deaths, a lot of children deaths, destroyed energy infrastructure, and severe violations of international law and the UN Charter.”
• The goal is a peace that is “acceptable for Ukraine,” with Ukraine included in negotiations.

Notable Quote:

“We are observing the fourth year of brutal Russian aggression in Ukraine... Everyone, including Ukrainians, wants to see just and lasting peace.”
— Tanja Fajon (02:14)

Is the Trump Plan Fair or Feasible?

[03:25] - Minister Fajon on ongoing negotiations:

• Welcomes renewed diplomatic engagement, but underscores that peace must include Ukraine and European security guarantees.
• Reiteration of international law, the need for meaningful diplomacy, and the human suffering observed firsthand.

Notable Quote:

“I encourage diplomacy to work and I encourage all sides to be equally engaged, especially Ukraine, because Ukraine is deciding about its own future.”
— Tanja Fajon (03:38)

Can There Be Peace By Christmas?

[05:05] - On Trump’s deadline-driven approach:

• Fajon is skeptical about rapid progress while “there are bombings every day,” even as she welcomes dialogue.
• She repeats the centrality of “international law and a UN Charter” as the foundation for negotiations.

Who Has the Stronger Hand?

[06:09] — Trump in Politico interview:

• Trump unequivocally states, “there can be no question about it. It's Russia. It's a much bigger country.”

[06:51] - Minister Fajon addresses Ukraine’s position:

• Argues Ukraine’s morale is high; determination and historical precedent (Yugoslavia) inform her conviction that “no one... can by force simply take your land away.”
• Any lasting agreement must respect sovereignty and integrity.

Notable Quote:

“I think Ukraine has high morale and it's quite an inspiration to see people fighting for their own territory in the country. ... No one, and I will repeat it, no one, can by force simply take your land away.”
— Tanja Fajon (06:51)

Can Putin Be Trusted?

[07:34] — Interviewer asks about historic trust issues:

• Fajon invokes the 80th anniversary of the UN, calling for a recommitment to collective peace.
• She stresses Europe's “moral responsibility” during this era of “terrible geopolitical turbulence.”

Notable Quote:

“I think this is a good moment to reflect ourselves, where is our responsibility and maybe to recommit to these values.”
— Tanja Fajon (07:49)

What If Ukraine Concedes Territory?

[08:27] — Consequences for Europe:

• Minister declines to “prejudge the negotiations,” saying the final shape of any deal is for Ukraine to decide.
• Affirms Ukraine as “clearly the victim of this war.”

Memorable Quotes & Attribution

• On diplomatic engagement:

  “It is good that there is a time also for diplomacy, for searching for political solution instead of a military one.”
  — Tanja Fajon (03:25)

• On European resolve:

  “Europe has to be at the table. We are discussing about strong security guarantees for the countries that something like similar wouldn’t happen again in the future.”
  — Tanja Fajon (03:35)

• On the pain of war:

  “When you see young people, children being amputated without legs, without arms, I mean, these are war’s victims. So we do have to all do more.”
  — Tanja Fajon (03:41)

• Trump on negotiating power:

  “It's Russia. It's a much bigger country.”
  — Donald Trump (06:14)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:29] — Trump remarks on Europe’s weaknesses and trade
• [02:14] — Fajon on the human and political devastation in Ukraine
• [03:25] — Fajon welcomes diplomacy but demands Ukraine’s inclusion
• [05:05] — Feasibility of a pre-Christmas peace deal
• [06:09-06:45] — Trump’s perspective on power dynamics and territory lost
• [06:51] — Fajon counters: Ukraine’s morale and sovereignty
• [07:49] — Can Putin be trusted? Fajon calls for renewed commitment to peace
• [08:38] — On hypothetical Ukrainian concessions: Fajon refuses to prejudge

Conclusion

Minister Tanja Fajon brings a measured, resolutely diplomatic stance to the discussion, positioning Slovenia and Europe as guardians of international law and collective security. She repeatedly presses that any peace must be just, lasting, and fundamentally shaped by Ukrainians themselves. While welcoming US-led negotiations, she remains wary of the dangers imposed by rushed deadlines and solutions imposed without Ukrainian or European engagement—reinforcing the idea that history, law, and fairness must drive any real solution.