United States President Donald Trump has intensified attacks on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, particularly amidst pressure from EU leaders to fortify Ukraine. Following a confrontational Oval Office meeting, the countries led by the UK and France are meeting to make proposals for an end to Russia’s occupation of Ukraine.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently met with European leaders at a summit during which they talked and agreed to draft a peace plan for Ukraine to present to the U.S. “There are clearly a range of options on the table,” a Starmer spokesman said. France and the UK have promised to send troops to Ukraine if a ceasefire is negotiated—a step Moscow has already rejected—and have insisted that U.S. support is necessary.
Trump’s new foreign policy has involved initiating negotiations with Moscow before consulting with Ukraine and other allies. Trump publicly scolded Zelenskyy to get in line with U.S. demands, particularly after Zelenskyy suggested the end of the war could still be “far, far away.” Trump decried this as the “worst” comment made by Zelenskyy, asserting that “America will not put up with it for much longer.”
Replying, Zelenskyy reaffirmed that any ceasefire would require security guarantees from the West to ensure no more aggression by Russia. He appealed for American help to usher in peace, stating, “It is important that we try to make our diplomacy substantive to end this war as soon as possible.”
As European leaders prepare for an emergency summit, everyone agrees: increased defense expenditures are the priority to demonstrate to Trump that Europe can defend itself. In these actions, Ukrainians are preparing for uncertain days, aware that much effort needs to be accomplished before a tangible breakthrough can be made towards ending the war.
