Europe pushed some wild accusations on Trump.
European leaders are becoming increasingly cautious about President Donald Trump’s push to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. With tensions escalating, many are concerned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not genuinely interested in peace. The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has expressed doubts, stating that Putin “doesn’t really want peace” and is instead using a strategy of waiting the West out.
Trump, on Thursday, mentioned that his administration had engaged in “very good talks with Russia,” though he stopped short of revealing any concrete progress toward ending the war in Ukraine. While Trump has consistently emphasized his ability to negotiate with Russia, this approach has sparked concern among NATO allies and long-standing U.S. partners, who worry that such talks may be at the expense of Ukraine’s sovereignty and Western interests.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, argued that while it’s necessary to maintain dialogue with Russia, the key to peace lies in increasing pressure on the Kremlin—both economically and politically. She stressed that supporting Ukraine militarily will strengthen the country on the battlefield and at the negotiation table. Kallas believes that a stronger Ukraine is crucial to any potential peace talks with Russia, which continues to pursue expansionist goals, disregarding international norms.
Meanwhile, Trump has garnered praise for pressuring NATO members to contribute more to Ukraine’s defense, a stance that resulted in significant increases in defense spending following Russia’s invasion. However, the shift in U.S. policy from the Trump administration to the Biden administration has unsettled several European nations. The stark contrast in approach has led some countries, such as the U.K., to demonstrate their commitment to shared values with the U.S., while others, notably Germany, have sought to distance themselves from Washington.
Kallas reminded U.S. leaders of the importance of the NATO alliance, citing the only instance when Article 5 was invoked—the 9/11 attacks on the U.S.—to highlight the significance of the transatlantic relationship. She emphasized that European nations have always stood by the U.S. in times of need, pointing to the sacrifices made by NATO troops, especially those from her home country of Estonia, in the War on Terror.
As the debate over Ukraine’s future continues, Kallas cautioned that dividing the West over the issue plays directly into Putin’s hands. She urged the U.S. to remain a steadfast partner with Europe in deterring Russian aggression, stressing that the security of the West is not just about Ukraine, but about safeguarding the broader global order.
Kallas’s recent visit to Washington was focused on strengthening the EU-U.S. security partnership, and although a scheduled meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio was canceled, she remains optimistic about continued collaboration between Europe and the U.S. She noted the many areas where the two continents can work together, from addressing the challenges posed by China to countering Iranian influence and maintaining stability in Africa. As global challenges multiply, the need for a united front against Russian aggression and other threats is more critical than ever.