It was called the “Great European Charm Offensive.” Hours before Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Washington for a Monday meeting with Donald Trump, announcements from across Europe made it clear that the Ukrainian president would not be going alone.
Instead, seven influential European leaders—a “dream team” representing Europe’s economic and military strength, all with established rapport with the U.S. president—quickly rearranged their schedules to join Zelenskyy in Washington. Simon McDonald, former top official at the UK Foreign Office, wrote in the Guardian that the meeting was set to become one of the “oddest in modern diplomacy.”
Their rush to attend showed how much was at stake. Days earlier, Trump had met with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, warmly welcoming a man wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes. Trump entered the summit insisting he wanted “some form of a ceasefire,” but left it supporting pro-Russian stances. When Trump publicly abandoned plans for an immediate ceasefire and said it was now up to Zelenskyy to “get it done,” Moscow celebrated.
At its simplest, the united European front aimed to prevent a repeat of Trump’s surprise confrontation with Zelenskyy in the Oval Office back in February. But, as the leaders of Germany, Britain, France, Italy, and Finland arrived in Washington alongside EU and NATO representatives, the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Luke Harding noted that this “rare and sweeping show of diplomatic force” was also about shielding Ukraine and Europe from further Russian aggression.
The talks demonstrated lessons learned from Trump’s unpredictable time in office. Flattery was abundant, with European leaders praising Trump and carefully smoothing over potential disagreements. Six months after Zelenskyy’s harsh treatment in the Oval Office, the Ukrainian president began his remarks with eight thank-yous, mostly directed at Trump, while wearing what one European diplomat called “almost a suit,” a style Reuters termed “combat formal.”
There were high hopes that Trump and Zelenskyy could get along. Matthias Matthijs, a Europe expert at the Council on Foreign Relations, compared the situation to the winding path of EU-U.S. trade relations under Trump: “There are always high expectations, then the Europeans’ hopes are dashed by Trump’s social media or an interview. When they meet again, having avoided the worst, they reach some agreement. It’s better than feared, but always worse than before. Still, as they say, the Europeans live to fight another day.”
Fabrizio Tassinari highlighted how Trump had unintentionally become “the greatest unifier of Europe since the end of the Cold War.” Writing in the Guardian, the director of the School of Transnational Governance in Florence added: “For those of us who have long followed the elusive dream of a unified European foreign policy, it was almost an epiphany to see these seven leaders each speak for two minutes, delivering the exact same message.”
Days after this unprecedented diplomatic activity, questions remain about what, if anything, will come of it. On Monday, Trump and several European leaders claimed that Putin had agreed to face-to-face talks with Zelenskyy in the coming weeks. However, Moscow has not yet confirmed any such meeting—which would be the first since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago.A meeting is being planned, according to a Kremlin aide, who stated only that Putin and Trump discussed the idea of upgrading the level of representatives involved in Ukraine talks.
Trump had also expressed willingness to provide security guarantees for Kyiv if a deal to end the fighting were reached. However, the specifics of those guarantees remain unclear. Trump later ruled out sending U.S. troops to Ukraine, suggesting instead that Washington could offer air support.
Questions persist about what exactly Trump proposed during their nearly three-hour meeting in Alaska and what, if anything, Putin agreed to. As noted by Pjotr Sauer, a Guardian reporter on Russian affairs, some worry that Trump may have exaggerated the outcome and misjudged Moscow’s willingness to compromise.
Others, like Yuriy Boyechko, CEO of the charity Hope for Ukraine, believe Trump is intentionally creating an exit strategy for the U.S. by entertaining Putin’s demands for Ukraine to withdraw from Donetsk and Luhansk—even as President Zelenskyy firmly opposes ceding any territory beyond what is currently occupied or legitimizing Moscow’s control.
Boyechko told the Guardian on Monday that Putin had offered a “peace deal” designed to be rejected by Ukraine, knowing Trump would then blame Zelenskyy and withdraw U.S. support for Kyiv.
After a week filled with talks and ongoing Russian airstrikes in Ukraine, Boyechko hopes this stark contrast will push European leaders to recognize that protecting the region requires more than diplomatic gestures. “Ukraine and its European allies must urgently develop their own strategy to defend Ukraine and secure peace in Europe,” he said, “because it is increasingly likely that Trump will abandon the peace negotiations.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions European Leaders and Talks with Trump on Ukraine
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What was the main goal of European leaders in these talks with Trump
They aimed to convince Trump to continue supporting Ukraine especially military and financial aid and to reassure European allies about US commitment to NATO
2 Who were the key European leaders involved
Leaders from major EU countries like Germany France and the UK as well as representatives from the European Union and NATO
3 Why were these talks considered crucial
Because Trump had previously expressed skepticism about aiding Ukraine and NATO raising concerns that reduced US support could weaken Ukraines defense against Russia
4 Did they succeed in protecting Ukraine
The outcome was mixed While some assurances were given Trumps longterm stance remained uncertain and European leaders left with no firm guarantees
5 What is NATO and why does it matter for Ukraine
NATO is a military alliance of North American and European countries While Ukraine isnt a member NATO support helps deter Russian aggression and strengthens Ukraines defense
AdvancedLevel Questions
6 What specific strategies did European leaders use to persuade Trump
They emphasized shared security interests the risk of Russian expansion and the importance of transatlantic unity while also acknowledging some of Trumps concerns about burdensharing
7 How did Trump respond during the talks
Reports suggest he was receptive to some arguments but reiterated his focus on European nations contributing more to defense spending and his desire for a negotiated settlement in Ukraine
8 What are the potential consequences if US support for Ukraine decreases
It could lead to reduced military capabilities for Ukraine embolden Russia and create divisions within NATO potentially weakening global security
9 Were there any immediate outcomes or agreements from the talks
No major agreements were announced but discussions opened channels for further dialogue European leaders noted a better understanding of Trumps position
10 How does this situation affect future USEurope relations
It highlights ongoing tensions over defense spending and foreign policy priorities suggesting that Europe may need to prepare for more independent action in supporting Ukraine
11 What can everyday people do to stay informed or support Ukraine
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