Europe wary as Putin and Trump discuss Ukraine

European capitals worry a Putin Trump deal could split the transatlantic alliance and give Moscow leverage over Ukraine.

Europeans fear footnote status as Putin and Trump weigh Ukraine offers

Ahead of the Alaska summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, European capitals fear Moscow could try to divide the transatlantic alliance and press for concessions in Ukraine. Details of any Kremlin plan remain unclear, and US officials have offered limited public guidance. A European diplomat told CNN that Europe risks being a footnote in history if decisions are made without their input.

The European Union and key allies reaffirmed that international borders must not be changed by force, while they seek a ceasefire path and credible security guarantees for Ukraine. Talks revolve around the shape of any pause in fighting, how to monitor it, and what guarantees would back Ukraine’s sovereignty. There is debate over whether a European reassurance presence could help but recent signals suggest NATO members may not participate directly.

Europe appears to be negotiating with limited leverage and even less clarity from Washington. The episode highlights a larger question: how much strategic autonomy Europe is willing to pursue when the United States is a pivotal partner in any Ukraine settlement.

The discussion echoes historical warnings about appeasement and raises the risk that a hurried bargain could undercut Ukraine while delivering cosmetic gains to a broader alliance. If Europe cannot push for clear terms on security guarantees, its credibility and security confidence could be tested for years to come.

Highlights

Europe faces a critical moment to assert a shared approach that protects Ukraine and the wider bloc without surrendering strategy to doubt.