After Zelenskyy's tense conversation with Trump and Vance, the situation in the United States has escalated. Global media say this plays into Putin's hands and could weaken support for Ukraine. Russian lobbyists have already stepped up efforts to revive Nord Stream 2, hoping for a change in sanctions policy. At the same time, European leaders are stepping up diplomatic efforts to support Ukraine.
Strengthening Putin's position
Analysts of note, that the conflict between Trump and Zelenskyy plays into the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin, strengthening his position in the international arena. This could make it more difficult to achieve a just peace in Ukraine and weaken US support.
A CNN poll showed a shift in Republican attitudes toward Ukraine. While generally critical of military aid, most voters do not support Trump's harsh rhetoric. A CNN political analyst pointed out that Vance's behavior toward Zelenskiy could damage his image among moderate voters.
At the time, Russian lobbyists already begun a campaign to restore the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline with the support of some American business circles. The "friend of Putin" proposes to resume the project allegedly "on favorable terms" for Europe and the United States. The Kremlin hopes that global instability and the energy crisis will force the West to reconsider its sanctions policy.
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) criticized the president, saying the United States was "turning away from our allies" and "actually embracing Putin." Some other Republicans also expressed frustration with the progress of the talks, while the majority of the party supported Trump's tough rhetoric.
Europe takes control of Ukraine talks
European leaders have stepped up their diplomatic efforts to compensate for a possible decline in U.S. support. France and the United Kingdom began working on a new peace plan for Ukraine. Italy and the UK offered to act as a "bridge" between the US and Ukraine to keep the allies united.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urges President Zelenskyy to resume dialogue with Donald Trump to avoid a split in the West over support for Ukraine. European leaders express support for Zelenskyy and stress the importance of unity in the face of Russian aggression.
On March 2, a major summit is held in London with the participation of French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The UK reiterated has confirmed is a commitment to continue supporting Ukraine even in the event of changes in US policy. Thus, Starmer stated that "there can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine" and emphasized that the allies should develop a mechanism of reliable security guarantees for Kyiv.
"It is time to unite to protect Ukraine and secure the future of European security," the British prime minister said.
Author: Danylo Pievchev