**”US Criticized for Losing Leadership Rights; Europe Shows Solidarity with Ukraine**
**UK and France Plan Separate End-of-War Strategies and Will Discuss with the US**
**European Leaders Gather in London to Discuss Independent Defense Strengthening Plans**
Following a public altercation with US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky left the White House empty-handed, prompting European countries to express their support for Zelensky. The UK and France announced plans to formulate separate ceasefire strategies with Ukraine and then engage in discussions with the US. The collapse of the talks is seen as deepening the rift in the transatlantic alliance, while in Europe, calls for strengthening their independence from US influence are likely to gain more traction.
In the European Union (EU), reactions to the White House meeting on the 28th of last month were intense, with statements like “It has become clear that the free world needs a new leader” (Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy) and “The US has lost the right to call itself the leader of the free world” (Gabriel Attal, former French Prime Minister).
European leaders expressed their solidarity with Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a BBC interview on the 2nd, stated, “The UK, along with France and one or two other countries, will work with Ukraine regarding plans to stop the fighting, and thereafter, discuss this with the US.”
French President Emmanuel Macron declared the need to respect those who have fought for dignity, independence, their children, and European security in Ukraine. Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), and a likely candidate for the next Chancellor, emphasized not confusing perpetrators with victims.
Europe is also taking steps to reconcile with President Trump. The UK Telegraph reported that after the failed talks, PM Starmer called President Zelensky and persuaded him with a message to “return to the White House.” However, when PM Starmer called President Trump, US officials indicated that calming Trump’s anger was a priority, leading to mediation efforts being abandoned. Such moves are attributed to concerns over a potential deepening rift in the transatlantic alliance following the talks’ collapse.
The New York Times commented on the talks, indicating that the US demonstrated resolve to abandon traditional power sources, such as alliances with democratic countries that share values, and revert to a primitive era of superpower negotiations. Consequently, Europe’s traditional efforts to maintain European defense and global security orders with US support might lead to rising calls for a Europe-independent course.
On the 2nd, European leaders reportedly discussed ways to respond to President Trump’s ceasefire negotiation pressure and strengthen Europe’s independent defense capabilities during a summit in London. Under the leadership of France and the UK, the deployment of peacekeeping forces to Ukraine is also considered a discussion topic.
However, while European leaders agree on the need to increase defense spending, they also recognize that achieving security solely with Europe’s military resources remains challenging, raising uncertainty about unified responses. Additionally, the fact that some European countries support President Trump’s ceasefire scheme presents another issue.
Russia, described as having won a victory without lifting a finger in the talks the day before, did not hide their delight. Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, described the White House summit as a “merciless reprimand” on social media. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, posted on Telegram, “It’s miraculous that President Trump and Vice President Pence didn’t hit that trashy person (President Zelensky).”
Given the apparent rift between Ukraine and the US, Russia’s calculation that it can easily gain an upper hand in ceasefire negotiations appears certain, with further reinforcement of Russia’s ‘Zelensky destabilization’ strategy.