Coming out of the Trump–Putin meeting on Friday, the outcome was not the worst many had feared. In fact, the atmosphere was markedly friendlier, with fewer of the overt confrontations that often characterize these encounters. What stood out most was the degree of unity among European leaders. Without stating it explicitly, they delivered a simple message to Trump: choose us or choose Putin—you cannot have both.
That dynamic appears to have had an effect. With all of Europe presenting a consolidated front and President Zelensky joining in that common position, Trump seemed to lean toward their side. As has so often been the case with him, the last people to speak often shape his decision, and here it was the Europeans who had the final word.
The broader implications remain unsettled. There are still open questions about the scale and terms of weapons sales and other security arrangements that may have been discussed. These details will determine whether the summit produces substantive outcomes or merely temporary optics. For now, however, it seems clear that European unity, coupled with Ukrainian resolve, prevented what could have been a far more damaging outcome.
This was my quick take on the day’s events. I’ll continue to track developments closely as more information comes to light.
—Alex
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