Ahead of US-Russia talks on Ukraine set for Tuesday in Saudi Arabia, President Donald Trump has offered significant concessions to Vladimir Putin and sidelining European allies.
Trump’s decision have ended Russia’s international isolation, weakening Western unity on the conflict and raising doubts about the US’s commitment to defending Europe. His administration’s confusing statements have sparked concerns that Trump might accept a peace deal with Putin, even if it comes at Ukraine’s expense.
One of the biggest concerns is the possibility that the US will exclude European nations from peace talks, even though they are expected to contribute security guarantees and troops as part of a deal. This has alarmed European leaders, leading to an emergency meeting in Paris to discuss the situation, as reported by CNN.
Trump has also suggested Ukraine may not be included in the talks, despite being the victim of Russia’s invasion. On Sunday, he mentioned a possible meeting with Putin soon, adding, “We’re moving along…we’re trying to get a peace with Russia, Ukraine, and we’re working very hard on it.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly opposed any deal made without Ukraine’s involvement, while Trump gave a vague assurance that he would be “involved.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top officials will lead the US delegation to Saudi Arabia, where talks will take place. Rubio downplayed concerns, stating that one phone call with Putin won’t solve the conflict but emphasized that Ukraine and Europe must be involved in any real peace talks.
Trump’s recent phone call with Putin raised alarms about his willingness to offer concessions to Russia, even if it means accepting an unfair deal. There are fears Trump might allow Russia’s illegal territorial gains to stand, while the absence of Ukrainian negotiators could leave Ukraine’s position weakened.
In Europe, Trump’s alignment with Putin and his comments about NATO have further alienated allies. Critics worry that Trump’s stance will only embolden Putin, who is keen to cement his territorial gains in Ukraine. Meanwhile, tensions are rising in NATO, with European leaders concerned about Trump’s push for them to take on more security responsibility.
Trump’s shift in foreign policy has also strengthened Saudi Arabia’s role in global diplomacy, as the kingdom hosts the upcoming talks. Both Trump and Putin have ties to Saudi leaders, which will likely boost the kingdom’s international standing.
This dramatic shift in US foreign policy risks weakening transatlantic relations and leaving Europe vulnerable. As Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski warned, the outcome of the Ukraine war will determine the US’s credibility on the global stage: “The credibility of the United States depends on how this war ends.”
