Trump, Putin Push to Negotiate Ukraine Without Kyiv, Europe Warns

An editorial in The Guardian warns that President Donald Trump may be willing to discuss Ukraine's future with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping without Kyiv at the negotiating table. The piece argues that such a move would give Moscow a diplomatic win before any talks begin and would signal that powerful leaders can decide the fate of weaker states.

The article stresses that Ukraine has the right to determine its own future and that any proposal sidelining Kyiv would betray that principle. It also notes growing doubts in Europe about whether the United States will continue to deter aggression or uphold its NATO commitments if it appears to reward Moscow and pressure Ukraine into a "raw deal."

European governments are cautioned that a shift toward "strongmen" diplomacy could undermine their security and raise questions about America's future role in European defense.

Why It Matters

The stance of the United States on Ukraine influences NATO cohesion and European security, making the editorial's warnings relevant to US and European readers.