Washington DC – A Troubling Encounter
On Saturday, President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at Stansted Airport, seeking a semblance of stability and unity from European allies after a tumultuous encounter with American leadership. The previous day, Zelensky faced a barrage from President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, signaling a stark shift in the U.S.-Ukraine partnership. This alarming display served as a vivid reminder of the deteriorating relationship, where the Ukrainian leader was subjected to a public show of hostility reminiscent of a reality television spectacle.
As observers replayed the cringeworthy moments from the Oval Office, one wry commentator quipped whether Trump might take the theatrics further: “President Zelensky, you claim you oppose Vladimir Putin… well, guess what? He’s right here! Let’s bring him out and see if we can resolve this on stage!” While the situation didn’t descend into such farce, Trump’s willingness to undermine Zelensky in tandem with Vance indicated a troubling premeditation that may have been inspired by recent diplomatic overtures from Sir Keir Starmer, who had charmed the Oval Office just a day earlier.
Many in Washington interpret Trump’s treatment of Zelensky as a metaphor for the broader Ukraine crisis. This week, both French President Emmanuel Macron and Sir Keir Starmer, alongside Zelensky, struggled to convince Trump that Russia, not Ukraine, ignited the conflict, and that it is crucial for Putin to face consequences for his actions. In a troubling twist, the White House and its supporters are attempting to shift the narrative, suggesting that it was Zelensky who initiated the confrontation in the Oval Office. Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina expressed his pride in Trump and Vance, even going so far as to suggest that Zelensky consider stepping down.
As signatures accumulate on a petition urging Starmer to retract the King’s invitation to Trump for a repeat state visit to the UK, some pro-Ukraine voices in the U.S. are advocating for a more cautious approach. A former senior U.S. official remarked that the royal invitation is “the only card” Starmer has left to play with Trump and should be retained for strategic leverage. Should Trump threaten the UK with tariffs, for instance, withdrawing the royal invitation could serve as a powerful negotiating tool.
Preparing for the Crisis Talks
As Starmer gears up for critical crisis talks with Zelensky and European leaders on Sunday, the focus should be on fortifying Europe’s current position rather than succumbing to any perception of weakness or disunity. Macron has already expressed readiness to extend France’s nuclear umbrella to neighboring countries, while Starmer may consider leveraging the UK’s nuclear deterrent as part of a cross-Channel alliance. Such a coalition could be presented to Washington as evidence that Europe is responding to Trump’s calls for greater responsibility in its security, particularly in light of the diminished trust in U.S. leadership.
In a noteworthy suggestion, a think tank associated with former President George W. Bush has proposed that Europe seize approximately $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to finance urgent actions necessary for support. Albert Torres of the George W. Bush Institute emphasized, “The block’s leadership is now more critical than ever,” asserting that these assets represent the best leverage Europe holds in this precarious situation.
Some analysts caution that European leaders may not fully appreciate the potential strength and utility of their existing agreements with Ukraine. Numerous nations already maintain bilateral pacts with Ukraine that can facilitate additional military assistance and support. The Joint Expeditionary Force, based in Northwood, northwest London, integrates the UK’s military with nine other NATO partners and has previously engaged in protective air and maritime operations to safeguard vital undersea infrastructure across northern Europe.
The Combined Joint Expeditionary Force, already working with UK and French forces, was specifically designed to enhance rapid readiness for crises like the one ignited by Trump. Additionally, both the Netherlands and Germany have established long-term agreements with Kyiv for military support and training, contributing to a robust framework that can be swiftly mobilized to bolster Ukraine in response to any decline in American commitment to NATO.
As Ukraine’s advocates in Washington express their outrage towards Trump and Vance for their authoritarian treatment of Zelensky, they recognize that the responsibility now lies with Europe. The Prime Minister and his colleagues must prepare for a new era where Trump may not stand alongside Ukraine, nor with their allies.
