Trump’s Approach Puts Zelensky in Tough Spot Ahead of Talks

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly setting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky up for failure ahead of his upcoming visit to the White House. This warning comes from Tobias Ellwood, a former chairman of the UK’s Defence Committee, who claims that Trump’s recent interactions with Vladimir Putin indicate a lack of genuine support for Ukraine.

Ellwood expressed skepticism about the likelihood of a productive peace deal being reached during Zelensky’s visit on March 18, 2024. He stated that Trump is “deliberately setting this up to fail” to later claim that he made an effort without any cooperation from Zelensky. “I see Trump deliberately setting this up to fail so he can then walk away and say, ‘I tried, they didn’t want to play ball,’” Ellwood remarked.

The former British Army officer criticized the dynamics of the recent summit between Trump and Putin, describing it as more focused on strategic posturing than on tangible support for Ukraine. He noted the perception that Putin benefited significantly from the meeting, receiving a warm welcome and a handshake from Trump without any commitments to cease hostilities in Ukraine.

Ellwood reflected on Trump’s approach, suggesting that the former president is framing his actions as a means of prioritizing American interests over Ukraine’s. He indicated that Trump’s potential next steps may involve negotiating deals with Russia, which could undermine Ukraine’s position. “With the offer on the table that Trump is putting together, there’s no chance that Zelensky can agree to it, because it’s appeasement,” Ellwood stated, highlighting the delicate situation facing the Ukrainian leader.

The lack of seasoned diplomats within the current administration is another concern for Ellwood. He argued that Trump’s administration lacks the experienced individuals necessary to navigate such complex diplomatic waters, unlike during his first term when skilled diplomats were prevalent. “Trump 1.0 had gifted diplomats who could organize a summit and ensure all details were sorted in advance,” he said. “Now, he has brought in his own team, mostly friends and contacts, who simply don’t have the experience.”

Ellwood warned of the potential fallout from this lack of expertise, emphasizing that Trump’s approach could leave both Britain and Europe in a precarious position. “Europe and America not being on the same page is a very dangerous place,” he noted, drawing parallels to historical conflicts. He also pointed out that Trump’s relationship with Russia seems to be developing separately from the needs of Ukraine.

Following the summit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, it appears that Trump has shifted his stance from advocating for a ceasefire to pursuing a broader peace agreement. Discussions with European allies have revealed that Putin is interested in maintaining control over the Donetsk and Luhansk regions while showing a willingness to consider freezing front lines in areas like Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. In contrast, Zelensky has firmly rejected any proposals involving territorial concessions.

The outcomes of the recent summit have left many critical questions unanswered. Leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, have stressed the need for robust security guarantees for Ukraine, insisting that borders must not change through force. Putin characterized the talks as “frank” but did not commit to halting hostilities, continuing military actions along a lengthy front.

Zelensky has expressed interest in a potential trilateral meeting involving the U.S. and Russia but has made it clear that any such discussions must be accompanied by increased sanctions against Russia if it fails to engage in honest negotiations. Analysts have noted the challenges Zelensky faces in navigating a diplomatic landscape where Trump struggles to exert influence over Putin, who remains focused on long-term territorial ambitions.

As Zelensky prepares for his pivotal meeting with Trump, the international community watches closely, aware of the significant implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty and stability in the region.