Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has refused to engage in direct peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, making the United States president appear increasingly out of touch. Trump, who has long claimed he could broker an end to the war in Ukraine, had hoped to present himself as a global dealmaker capable of ending the conflict. Instead, he has been left looking foolish as the Russian dictator ignores diplomatic efforts.
President Zelenskyy had proposed meeting face to face with Putin in Turkey — a move designed to show Ukraine’s openness to peace and its alignment with international expectations. However, Putin declined the invitation and instead sent low-level officials, including Russia’s culture minister, in what many see as a theatrical gesture meant to insult both Ukraine and its Western allies.
Trump’s embarrassment comes from his earlier assertion that he could swiftly resolve the war through personal diplomacy. As he slowly realises Putin is not cooperating, his lofty predictions appear naïve. “It makes him look a little bit foolish,” commented Times columnist Michael Binyon. Trump’s irritation, Binyon adds, may even lead to increased hostility toward Russia — though whether that translates into policy remains uncertain.
Trump’s history with Zelenskyy is fraught. During his presidency, he was impeached for withholding military aid to Ukraine in an attempt to pressure Zelenskyy into investigating Joe Biden’s son. That bitter history casts a shadow over any trust between the two figures.
At the European Political Community summit in Albania, Zelenskyy’s strong stance drew praise. He has played a smart game, according to analysts, by positioning himself as the responsible party while highlighting the Kremlin’s disinterest in genuine diplomacy. The summit, while unlikely to lead to major decisions, helped reinforce unity among European nations backing Ukraine. It also served as a chance to discuss broader support for Kyiv amid growing fears that US backing could diminish, especially if Trump returns to power.
One of the key concerns raised at the summit was the state of Europe’s military readiness. The UK, while a core contributor to Ukraine’s defence, is currently excluded from the European Union’s proposed one hundred and fifty billion pound (₤150 billion) rearmament fund — around one hundred and seventy six billion euros (€176 billion). Discussions continue about granting UK defence companies access to EU procurement schemes to ensure unified military strategy against the Kremlin.
The wider picture is unsettling. With Trump’s increasingly inconsistent stance and Putin’s ongoing aggression, there is real fear that Ukraine may be left exposed. Europe must now prepare to sustain Kyiv without reliable support from Washington. The UK Prime Minister’s words — that Putin must pay a price if he continues to delay peace — sound firm, but actions, not statements, will matter.
