European Leaders Shocked as Trump Withdraws US Mediation in Ukraine-Russia Talks

Following President Donald Trump's phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, European leaders expressed shock and disappointment at the U.S. president's approach to the Ukraine conflict. Trump informed European and Ukrainian leaders that Russia and Ukraine would begin ceasefire negotiations directly, with the U.S. stepping back from its role as a mediator and refusing to impose new sanctions on Russia, which deeply unsettled European allies who had hoped for increased pressure on Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Trump not to make decisions without Ukraine's input, emphasizing the importance of consultation. European officials fear that Trump's stance effectively allows Russia to buy time and undermines coordinated Western efforts to support Ukraine. While Trump indicated a desire for a direct meeting with Putin to advance peace, European leaders and Ukraine remain skeptical, advocating for stronger sanctions and military aid to compel Russia to negotiate seriously. The overall reaction among European leaders was one of surprise and concern over the potential abandonment of diplomatic pressure on Russia by the U.S.