Kathrine Frich
This sudden American push is causing quiet panic among European partners.
When world leaders gather for major summits, the public handshakes often hide deep anxieties behind closed doors. Global alliances can shift in a single afternoon. Now, one powerful leader is setting his sights on the biggest conflict in Europe.
The next target
With the conflict in Iran resolved, US President Donald Trump is turning his full attention to the war in Ukraine. He made his intentions clear at the recent G7 summit in France.
According to Bloomberg cited by United24Media, the American leader insists the heavy death toll must force an agreement. He bluntly told reporters that “Russia has to make a deal” to end the fighting.
Trump met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the crisis. During their talk, the US president noted that roughly 25,000 people are dying every month. He added that Moscow has lost “a colossal number of people” and Russian forces “just continue to fight, to lose soldiers”.
Allies feel left out
This sudden American push is causing quiet panic among European partners. They are very concerned. Politico reported that European officials worry Trump might take total control of future peace talks.
They fear the United States could sideline Europe completely. Macron publicly argued that European nations pay for a huge chunk of Ukraine’s defense, so they deserve an equal seat at the negotiating table.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed up that financial claim. She reminded G7 members that the European Union has allocated 90 billion euros to cover most of Kyiv’s needs.
Moving the pieces
Behind the scenes, the United States is already reaching out to Moscow. An aide to Russian leader Vladimir Putin confirmed that American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia soon.
Despite the solo American diplomacy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy still welcomes the help. After speaking with Trump, Zelenskyy publicly stated that American involvement remains critical.
But reaching an agreement will not be easy. Kyiv recently offered to hold a face-to-face meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin at this exact summit.
Russia answered that offer with a massive shelling attack. According to Politico, Ukrainian officials viewed the heavy bombing as the Kremlin’s true response to peace talks.
Setting the terms
European leaders are scrambling to protect Ukrainian land. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom recently sent their own diplomats to Moscow.
The envoys demanded an immediate ceasefire and strong security guarantees. However, US officials argue that Trump has a unique ability to bring both sides together for a final agreement.
Sources: Bloomberg, Politico, Untied24Media
