Thursday 06 Mar 2025 @ 11:15
Chatham House
Printable version

Picking up the pieces after the Trump–Zelenskyy summit: Europe has mobilized, but the road will be bumpy

EXPERT COMMENT

Following the extraordinary events of 28 February, Europe needs unity and resolve to defend Ukraine and help repair Kyiv’s relations with Washington.

Last week’s press conference with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump in the Oval Office was extraordinary by any measure.

Disagreements at summits happen – behind closed doors. But it is highly unusual for discord to play out before the cameras in such dramatic fashion. What unfolded was as much a clash of culture and personality as it was a clash of substance. And whilst it is important to understand the first two issues, what matters is the substance and the way forward.

Some commentators have criticized Zelenskyy for his uncompromising performance during the press conference, but Ukrainians are uniting around their wartime leader: Zelenskyy’s ratings in Ukraine have been going up. As I know from my own time in Ukraine, nothing unites the country more than an attack on one of its own.   

The US and Ukraine have never looked further apart since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, yet even now they are still united on one vital point: both countries want peace as soon as possible. This is something that can be built upon.

Click here to continue reading the full version of this Expert Comment on the Chatham House website.

 

Channel website: https://www.chathamhouse.org/

Original article link: https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/picking-pieces-after-trump-zelenskyy-summit-europe-has-mobilized-road-will-be-bumpy

Share this article
RESEARCH EXPERTS EVENTS MEMBERSHIP ACADEMY ABOUT

 

Latest News from
Chatham House

Ukraine talks show Saudi Arabia is now a major diplomatic player

25/03/2025 15:25:00

Donald Trump values his personal relations with Saudi royals and the kingdom is willing to play the role of host. But with prestige comes expectations.

The UK’s nuclear deterrent relies on US support – but there are no other easy alternatives

25/03/2025 09:20:00

Now that Washington is potentially an unreliable ally, the UK needs to revisit its nuclear strategy. But going alone is costly, and partnering with France poses its own risks.

Israel’s complicated but strategic relationship with Russia could strengthen with Trump in the White House

24/03/2025 16:20:00

Israel’s strengthening ties with Russia aligns with a shift in US Russia policy under Trump. But it risks widening an already significant rift with Israel’s European partners.

The EU must enable its defence industry to boost capabilities and reduce dependence on US systems

24/03/2025 13:20:00

As the EU publishes a new white paper on reforming defence, there are clear priorities to make Europe a stand-alone military power.

Putin’s negotiation strategy is predictable: move slowly, keep Trump interested, and reset expectations

21/03/2025 12:20:00

If Donald Trump believed he could persuade Vladimir Putin to sign up to a comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine, he is learning the hard way: Russia is interested in peace, but only on its terms.

Tensions in Tigray could spark war between Ethiopia and Eritrea – disaster must be avoided

20/03/2025 12:20:00

Ethiopia’s ambition to secure Red Sea access, Eritrea’s interference in Ethiopia’s internal affairs and a power struggle in Tigray could explode into a wider regional war. Mediation is urgently needed.

Trump may not listen, but the US should cooperate with the EU on Ukraine’s minerals

19/03/2025 09:20:00

Washington wants to secure Ukraine’s valuable raw materials in a headline-grabbing deal, but a joint partnership with the EU and Kyiv is mutually beneficial in the long term.

In Southeast Asia, Trump reinforces worst fears about the US

18/03/2025 09:20:00

While many in the region were unperturbed by his election, the US president’s disruptive approach threatens the open and predictable world in which Southeast Asia has flourished.

The US and Iran are on the road to escalation. Europe can and should create an off-ramp

17/03/2025 13:10:00

The E3 and Tehran have no better option than re-engaging. Failing to do so risks movement towards a weaponized nuclear programme, military escalation, or both.

Public Procurement, Reinvented by AI - A Direct Response to UK Gov's AI Opportunities Action Plan