Europe Finds Its Formula for Dealing with Trump on Ukraine

As President Trump's views on Ukraine continue to shift, European leaders have found a formula for dealing with him effectively. By flattering him, praising his strength and commitment to peace, and trying to turn him against Russian President Vladimir Putin, they have managed to maintain a united front and secure crucial security guarantees for Ukraine. However, this approach has its limitations, and Europe must now take the next step by translating its newfound unity into a position of strength to guide negotiations and support Ukraine on the battlefield.

Key Takeaways:

• European leaders have developed a strategy for dealing with President Trump on Ukraine, which involves flattering him and trying to turn him against Putin.
• This approach has been successful in securing crucial security guarantees for Ukraine and maintaining a united European front.
• However, Europe must now take the next step by translating its newfound unity into a position of strength to guide negotiations and support Ukraine on the battlefield.
• Europe's inability to act in unison is its perennial weakness and its path to defeat, including on Ukraine.
• President Trump's stance on Ukraine has made a real difference in Europe's unity, forcing European leaders to focus on what they can agree on rather than what separates them.
• The recent visit to Washington by the Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, marked a turning point in European unity on Ukraine, with Ukraine leading a united European delegation to the United States.
• Poland was the only notable absence from the meeting.

Statistics:

• 2.5 billion people live in the European Union, one of the world's largest economies and largest single markets.
• The European Union has substantial political influence and tangible potential to become a military power.
• Europe's defense industry is expected to produce and deliver more weapons to Ukraine in the coming years.
• Ukraine has been seeking membership in the European Union for several years, with the country's president, Dmytro Kuleba, playing a key role in promoting European values.
• The conflict in Ukraine has resulted in over 13,000 civilian casualties and over 3 million internally displaced persons.

Sources:

• The New York Times: "Europe Finds Its Formula for Dealing with Trump on Ukraine"
• Wikipedia: "European Union"
• Harvard Belfer Center: "Dmytro Kuleba"
• The New York Times: "Ukraine, Russia, and the European Union"