Marta Gichko12:45, 17.02.25

The situation was exacerbated by Trump’s latest attempt to justify Putin, despite his status as a war criminal.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin is strengthening his position ahead of crucial US-Russian talks to end the war in Saudi Arabia, CNN reports .

Donald Trump’s administration has unlocked the Russian dictator’s international isolation, shaken Western unity on the conflict and called into question the US’s willingness to defend Europe, marking a dramatic turn in favour of Putin and distancing itself from America’s traditional allies.

Agreement at any cost

Contradictory statements from Trump aides during his first diplomatic trips to Europe have only fueled fears that he might cut a deal with Putin at any cost, even if it is bad for Ukraine and threatens the continent’s security.

The possibility that the US will exclude European allies from Ukraine peace talks, despite the fact that they are supposed to provide security guarantees and troops, has caused anxiety in European capitals. As a result, France has called key leaders for an emergency meeting in Paris.

Also alarming were statements about the possible exclusion of Ukraine itself from the negotiation process, which is critical for its sovereignty. After all, the war that began as a result of Russia’s invasion has resulted in numerous war crimes, the death of civilians and the destruction of infrastructure.

On Sunday, Trump said he might meet with Putin: “We are moving forward. We are trying to achieve peace with Russia, with Ukraine, and we are working very hard on that.”

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he “will never agree to any solution between the United States and Russia on Ukraine.” Trump responded with vague assurances that he “will be included” in the talks.

Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski said in Munich that Trump’s call with Putin was a mistake because it exonerated the Russian leader and undermined morale in Ukraine. But he also noted:

“When President Trump says there should be European troops as part of the agreement, we will have to be asked to provide them, so sooner or later we will have to be involved.”

Trump Plays into Putin’s Hands

Despite this, the Trump administration has not taken a clear position, fueling concerns that a potential deal could legitimize Russia’s illegal invasion. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that a peace agreement would not include Ukraine joining NATO and would exclude U.S. peacekeeping forces. Some of those statements were later corrected by Hegseth and other administration officials.

The situation has been exacerbated by Trump’s latest attempt to justify Putin, despite his status as a war criminal. Not only has he expressed sympathy for Russia’s arguments about the invasion, but he has also supported Moscow’s return to the G8 after being excluded over the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Trump’s departure from the agreed European strategy and the absence of Ukrainian representatives at the talks in Saudi Arabia seriously weaken the West’s position, and therefore Kyiv’s.

European officials who are more supportive of Ukraine could be sidelined from the talks, further complicating Zelensky’s position. In addition, Vice President J.D. Vance’s speech at the Munich Security Conference and his meeting with the leader of Germany’s far-right AfD party have raised serious concerns among European allies. They signal the Trump administration’s intent to support populist movements, raising troubling historical parallels.

In a further signal of weakening support for Europe, Hegseth said in Brussels that Europeans should “take responsibility for ordinary security on the continent,” which many saw as another sign of Trump’s antipathy toward NATO.

All of this plays into Putin’s hands, as it demonstrates that his international isolation is ending and a future agreement on Ukraine could legitimize his territorial gains. The divisions within NATO that Trump has sown bring Russia closer to its key geopolitical goal.

“It’s really like Easter, Hanukkah, Christmas, Vladimir Putin’s birthday, all happening on the same day. Unchilled champagne is taken to the refrigerator, and other bottles are opened,” said Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.

The Saudi talks also highlight the kingdom’s growing influence on the international stage. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has stepped up the country’s role in the Middle East and made significant strides in soft power, from investing in European sports leagues to hosting the 2034 World Cup.

Trump has made no secret of his admiration for strong leaders, and the close relationship between Putin and the crown prince only enhances their political influence. A source close to the Saudi court said holding the talks in the kingdom would enhance its prestige and establish Saudi Arabia as a key player in world politics.

(C)UNIAN 2025