european leaders Bolster Ukraine Support as Trump Signals Shift in Position
WASHINGTON – Following a meeting between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European officials are reinforcing their commitment to Ukraine through increased diplomatic efforts, new sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector, and continued military aid. The moves come amid concerns raised by Zelenskyy’s acknowledgement that Trump supports a ceasefire along current front lines – a position that would effectively cede meaningful Ukrainian territory to Russia.
European leaders expressed disappointment, though not surprise, at the meeting’s outcome, according to reports. They are accustomed to “President Trump waxing and waning and in this case moving toward the Russian side and away from the Ukrainian side,” one European official stated. In response, multiple European leaders spoke with Zelenskyy Friday night to publicly reaffirm their solidarity with Ukraine.
A key component of the European response is a new sanctions package against Russia, slated for approval Thursday. The package will target Russian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and, for the first time, will penalize companies in India and China for purchasing russian energy – a measure Trump previously advocated for before imposing sanctions on Russia.
European nations are also continuing to procure American weapons for Ukraine and increasing their own arms production. Though, officials recognize the limitations of European support alone, emphasizing the continued need for U.S. assistance and hoping to influence Trump’s viewpoint before a potential meeting with Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskyy himself has publicly downplayed any concessions,highlighting Trump’s support for a ceasefire while firmly rejecting territorial compromises. “We will grant the aggressor no gifts and forget nothing,” Zelenskyy stated, rebuffing Russian demands for land.
A U.S. official summarized the diverging approaches: “The president of the United States wants to end the war no matter what. Ukraine wants to try and end the war on their terms.” Ukraine believes sustained pressure on Russia,particularly from the U.S., is crucial to achieving a favorable resolution. Though,the official noted that,so far,that pressure has not materialized.
