Trump's recent meeting with Zelenskyy and European leaders raised alarms regarding his approach to Ukraine's territorial issues and the ongoing conflict. Despite initial fears, the outcome was not catastrophic. Trump's suggestion for Ukraine to cede the Donbas was met with alarm, seen as a potential land grab rather than a peace offer. His previous threats against Russia contrasted sharply with his recent comments that there was no need for a ceasefire while negotiations occurred. Overall, Trump's actions reflect a troubling inconsistency in his diplomatic strategy and a tendency to align more with Russia than with democratic allies.
The fear was that this might prove a disaster along the lines of the US president's dressing down of the Ukrainian leader in February, prompting European leaders to support.
Mr Trump reportedly backed the idea that Ukraine should hand over the Donbas to achieve a peace deal, which Ukraine could not stomach.
En route to Alaska, he warned there would be severe consequences if there wasn't a ceasefire that day, yet said there was no need to stop fighting.
Ukraine and its European allies exerted efforts to draw Mr Trump towards their position, but he consistently seemed to favor Mr Putin.
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