A series of events that started with US President Trump angrily scolding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House ended in a demonstration of European solidarity in London and commitments to divert negotiations regarding the war between Russia and Ukraine from the US.
The new White House administration has been leading weeks of significant changes in transatlantic relations, and Friday’s unprecedented events in the Oval Office shocked Western allies.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the shifts clear last month when he told European allies that Kyiv’s membership in NATO was unrealistic and that the United States would no longer prioritize the security of Europe and Ukraine.
Following that, in a scathing address to European leaders in Munich, Vice President JD Vance stated that Europe faces a greater danger “from within” than from abroad, specifically from Russia and China.
Further, Trump previously described Zelensky as a “dictator” and accused Kyiv of starting the conflict.
In an effort to reach a deal, Zelensky met with Trump on Friday. The goal was to exchange investment and what Ukraine hopes will be real security guarantees for access to mineral resources in Kyiv.
The deal appears to be off the table following the savage confrontation, which resulted in the Ukrainians being ordered to vacate the premises and accused of being ungrateful for American military assistance.
On Saturday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Zelensky with an embrace upon his arrival in London. Zelensky received the same kind reception at his meeting with King Charles at Sandringham House.
European unity and allyship with Ukraine were on full view at an important summit of European leaders in London as they urged a ceasefire and increased military support for Kyiv.
Starmer informed the summit that the West is at a crucial juncture in history.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that it was essential for Europe to “rearm” and that she would present a plan to do so this week, while NATO chief Mark Rutte said that additional countries have agreed to increase defense spending.
French President Emmanuel Macron disclosed to Le Figaro newspaper that France and Britain offered an alternative deal for Ukraine during the meeting. This agreement would entail a month-long limited ceasefire.
“Moscow would not dictate the terms of ‘any security guarantee.” Starmer added, although any potential peace plan would require that Russia participate. Zelensky has not endorsed the proposal, and Russia has already declared its refusal to accept European troops as peacekeepers.
It is yet to be determined whether this proposal will be successful with the White House, which has been conducting direct peace negotiations with Moscow that do not currently involve Ukraine or Europe.
