The Heads of State and Government of the European Union welcomed Volodymyr Zelenski on Thursday summit in Brussels with a demonstration of warmth. The contrast with how he was admitted to the Oval Office last week was clear. The Ukrainian president thanked Europeans for staying with Kiev "since the beginning of the war and last week".
This gap was further deepened by events taking place in parallel in Washington. While Europeans were yet trying to defend themselves and thus repair their relation with the US, Washington took a different tone. Once again, Donald Trump's government presented a hard position that shows how different realities are on both sides of the Atlantic.
London does not lose hope
On Thursday, British Secretary of defence John Healey met at the Pentagon with his American counterpart Pete Hegseth. The mission of the British Defence Minister is to find whether Trump can supply more crucial safety guarantees to Kiev than investments in Ukrainian natural resources. Despite last week's scandal in the Oval Office, London continues to prosecute a common agreement that would truly defend Ukraine from Vladimir Putin.
This is not an easy undertaking, due to the fact that the dislike of Zelenski in the White home continues at its best. Trump's Emissary for Ukraine Keith Kellogg explained on Thursday that detention of intelligence was a step towards further expanding force on Ukraine. This occurred despite the fact that Zelenski had previously declared his willingness to resume negotiations, proposed an immediate ceasefire at sea and in the air and promised to sign an agreement on minerals.
Apparently, it wasn't adequate for the Trump administration. During a conference held in Washington, D.C. by Council on abroad Relations Kellogg estimated that halting the exchange of intelligence was a way of "convincing Ukrainians to take diplomatic steps". Kellogg stated that he personally warned the Ukrainian president during his visit to Kiev that there was a threat of stopping the exchange of intelligence if he did not sign the agreement.
Viktor Dabkowski / PAPU.S. peculiar Envoy to Ukraine and Russia, General Keith Kellogg before gathering at the European Council office in Brussels, Belgium, 18 February 2025.
— The Ukrainians brought it on themselves,” said the general, referring to the fascination in the Oval Office. “Everyone has told Zelensk what to say before and that he should sign a mineral agreement,” he added. The Ukrainian president was to hear that signing the contract would show his willingness to engage in diplomacy.
The fact that Zelenski is now willing to sign the agreement is not enough. “ There is simply a difference between saying that you will sign something and actually doing it,” said Kellogg. He chose a strong metaphor to illustrate Washington's dying patience with Zelenski: — It's like splitting a mule with a board in your nose.. You have his attention.
Faith in Russia's Preparedness to Make Peace
Meanwhile, Trump’s attitude toward Russia continues to amaze. erstwhile asked why the force is only exerted on Kiev and not on Moscow, even though the Kremlin has not yet publically signaled any movement, Kellogg replied: "You do not know who is more reasonable at the moment.
In his opinion, the fact that Russia defined the ceasefire proposed by Zelenski as "unacceptable" must not undermine the American side's conviction of Russia's readiness to make peace.
However, Kellogg made it clear that Washington could increase the force on Russia by, among others, enforcing sanctions. Furthermore, frozen Russian assets could be confiscated and more force could be exerted on energy exports from Russia. However, both measures would should be taken by most Europeans.
The same applies to safety guarantees. In this case The U.S. is inactive prepared to make only an economical commitment in the form of a mineral agreement. “If the US has direct economical interests in Ukraine and wants to defend these interests, they are de facto safety guarantees,” said Kellogg.
Meanwhile, the British do not lose hope that Trump will, however, supply the safety guarantees that Prime Minister Keir Starmer calls for. “We must take advantage of an chance that would not be without president Trump. Like the challenges he faced Putin, Zelenski, and Europe to make the lasting peace he seeks, the British Prime Minister explained.
