EU Leaders Soothe Fears After Trump Ukraine Call—For Now/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ EU leaders briefly exhaled after a call with President Trump, where he appeared aligned on Ukraine peace priorities. However, skepticism remains ahead of his summit with Putin. Concerns linger over Trump’s unpredictability and his history of shifting loyalties.
Trump’s Ukraine Assurances + EU Quick Looks
- Trump calmed fears of a Ukraine land swap in a recent EU call.
- European leaders believe Trump now supports a ceasefire-first approach.
- Some EU officials claim Trump backs post-war security guarantees.
- VP JD Vance appears to soften his previously harsh Ukraine stance.
- Skepticism remains due to Trump’s unpredictable and transactional style.
- EU fears a flawed Trump-Putin deal may leave Ukraine vulnerable.
- Trump still echoes pro-Russian narratives, quoting Viktor Orbán.
Deep Look: Trump’s Call with EU Leaders Leaves More Questions Than Answers
In a high-stakes moment of transatlantic diplomacy, European leaders found cautious relief following a recent call with U.S. President Donald Trump. The discussion came ahead of Trump’s expected summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, a meeting that could shape the trajectory of the war in Ukraine.
Though the EU side expressed optimism after the call, the underlying tension was unmistakable. Trump’s recent rhetoric, especially about potential land swaps between Ukraine and Russia, had previously sent shockwaves across Europe, igniting fears that the U.S. might negotiate a peace deal over European heads and at Ukraine’s expense.
On Wednesday, however, the diplomatic tone shifted. A fast-paced round of talks reassured European leaders—at least temporarily—that Trump would not unilaterally reshape Ukraine’s borders or dismiss European input. Instead, he appeared to support the idea that a ceasefire should precede any territorial negotiations and affirmed Ukraine’s place at the negotiating table.
Statements from key European leaders reflected this cautious optimism. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that Trump appeared to “largely share” European positions. French President Emmanuel Macron and European Council President António Costa echoed the sentiment. Even Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, whose nation borders Russia, declared, “We are all on the same page.”
Siliņa further described Trump as a “unique negotiator” whose goal was to secure optimal outcomes. She had previously participated in a similar EU call with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, known for his outspoken criticism of Ukraine.
Yet, beneath the surface-level unity lies deep uncertainty. A European official present on the call noted that Trump talked a great deal, but without offering clear details or firm commitments. This aligns with Trump’s broader foreign policy style—high on bluster, light on clarity.
Trump’s posture toward Russia and Putin may be hardening—he’s promised “severe consequences” if the Russian president shows little interest in ending the war. Such consequences could include secondary sanctions on countries aiding Russia’s wartime economy. Nonetheless, memories remain fresh of Trump publicly humiliating Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, demanding resource deals to offset war costs, and entertaining major economic collaborations with Moscow.
These actions have left EU leaders worried that Trump and Putin might pivot discussions from justice and accountability—like reparations and abducted Ukrainian children—toward profits and mineral contracts.
Vice President Vance has also emerged as a wild card. Previously a harsh Ukraine critic, Vance reportedly impressed some European leaders with a more solutions-oriented approach. One official even said he recognized Putin as “the bad guy here.”
Still, Vance hasn’t completely reversed course. On Fox News, he recently declared, “We’re done with the funding of the Ukraine war business.” While open to Europe purchasing American weapons, Vance made it clear the U.S. wouldn’t foot the bill anymore—casting doubt on America’s commitment to post-war security guarantees.
The White House, however, seems increasingly drawn to the role of peace broker. Vance noted that Trump views it as his administration’s mission to “bring peace to Europe once again.” But for Europe, peace must not come at the cost of justice or sovereignty.
Jan Techau, a respected analyst at Eurasia Group, warned that Trump’s core concern going into the Alaska summit isn’t Ukrainian democracy but his own image. The former president is known to loathe appearing weak or outmaneuvered—especially by leaders like Putin, whom he once called a “genius.” Techau said that Trump doesn’t fully grasp Putin’s strategy and is now looking to European leaders for insight to avoid being played.
Even with this newfound engagement, a stark reality looms: Putin may have no intention of crafting a genuine peace deal. His strategic goal remains the dismantling of an independent, democratic Ukraine. EU insiders expect little progress at the Alaska meeting, fearing symbolic gestures—like temporary bombing pauses—may lure Trump into thinking Putin is serious.
A bigger fear is that Trump may strike a deal that sacrifices Ukrainian land or asks Europe to ease sanctions on Russia. If Europe and Kyiv reject such a deal, Trump could portray them as obstacles to peace, casting himself as the peacemaker betrayed by uncooperative allies.
“This would be convenient for Trump,” said Techau. “He can say the real enemies of peace are elsewhere: It’s the Ukrainians and the Europeans who stand in the way.”
That risk is far from abstract. Trump continues to echo voices sympathetic to Russia, even citing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán—Europe’s most vocal Ukraine skeptic. Trump recently called Orbán’s comment, that “winning wars is what Russia does best,” a “very interesting insight.”
Whether the Alaska summit ends in real progress or a diplomatic fracture remains to be seen. But for now, the EU finds itself in a precarious waiting game, caught between Trump’s ambitions and Putin’s strategy.
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