Perspectives of the US, Russia, and Europe Ahead of New Ukraine Negotiations

This past week has been chaotic in the realm of global politics.

The world absorbed the remarkable exchange between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian leader met with European allies, who have responded actively to strengthen their defenses. Meanwhile, Russian assaults continue to strike Ukraine.

What are these prominent figures contemplating as new US-Ukraine discussions loom in Saudi Arabia next week?

Five BBC correspondents have scrutinized this week’s developments.

Tom Bateman, State Department correspondent, Washington DC

Following an embarrassing assault on Zelensky by Donald Trump and JD Vance, the US president announced a halt to military and intelligence support for Ukraine on Monday.

In the long run, this will severely affect Ukraine’s defense capability, and Trump’s opponents from the Democratic party assert that it’s now evident he is allied with Russia.

The administration has explicitly stated that it views this action as a means to pressure Zelensky into signing the president’s minerals agreement and acquiescing to a swift ceasefire.

Trump’s envoy, General Keith Kellogg, likened the withdrawal of US military assistance to “striking a mule in the face with a [plank of wood]… It grabs their attention and holds significant weight… it’s now their responsibility to do [what the president wants].”

Despite the arm-twisting, the week concludes with a more conciliatory tone from some of Trump’s leading foreign policy figures, who will convene with Ukrainian officials next week in Saudi Arabia.

On Friday, Trump made a rare criticism of Moscow by threatening additional sanctions, even though Russia is already heavily sanctioned, in an attempt to hinder its escalating bombardment of Ukraine.

However, aside from this, the administration has consistently rebuked its so-called ally while abstaining from criticizing its opponent.

On Thursday, I inquired with US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce regarding her response to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declaring that European peacekeepers would not be permitted in Ukraine. Lavrov referred to it as the West’s “hostile aim,” over which “there can be no compromise.”

Ms. Bruce opted not to respond, stating it was not her place to comment on the remarks of foreign leaders or ministers, despite having just reiterated Trump’s characterization of Zelensky as “not ready for peace.”

Vitaliy Shevchenko, BBC Monitoring Russia editor

Until Trump’s threat of sanctions emerged, it seemed as though all the pressure was directed at Kyiv, providing Russia little incentive to moderate its ambitions.

The cessation of American military aid and intelligence represents a significant blow to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began and significantly enhances Russia’s odds.

The recent deadly strikes throughout Ukraine suggest that Moscow is content to maintain its usual operational tempo in the conflict.

Russia remains adamant that the original goals of the “special military operation” must be realized, including additional territorial gains in Ukraine.

It has also dismissed attempts by Ukraine’s supporters to alleviate the burden on Kyiv through a truce or peacekeeping forces.

French President Emmanuel Macron’s comments this week, indicating that Trump’s America may no longer align with the West, resonate well with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Putin can afford to sit back and take pleasure in the sight of vulnerabilities manifesting within the Western alliance—a goal he has pursued for many years, if not decades.

His achievements are not solely attributed to hostilities on the front lines, but rather to a stunning reversal by Ukraine’s most significant ally.

Next Tuesday, representatives from Ukraine and the US will convene for discussions in Saudi Arabia; Russia will be observing intently, but with a sense of confidence.

Myroslava Petsa, BBC Ukraine and Daniel Wittenberg, BBC World Service

The week has been a punishing emotional journey for Ukraine’s beleaguered president, battling to maintain Western military support while affirming his dedication to peace.

The aftermath of his high-profile confrontation with Trump in the Oval Office has added tension, particularly after the US halted military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.

“A sense of betrayal lingers,” remarked one source close to the Ukrainian administration. “The sentiment permeates the entire country – affecting both the president and his team.”

Zelensky stood firm against Trump’s request for an “explicit public apology,” opting instead to draft a letter to the US president and branded their White House encounter “regrettable.”

To counteract the repercussions, Zelensky hit the road again, seeking to strengthen European support in Brussels. While he garnered public gestures of solidarity, he did not secure the firm military assurances he was after.

Zelensky also appealed to EU representatives for a limited ceasefire at sea and in the air – an idea that received support from French President Emmanuel Macron.

With Ukrainian and US delegations scheduled for discussions in Saudi Arabia next week, the journey toward resolving tensions remains murky.

Despite the challenges, a source close to the president emphasized his determination: “Three years ago, he could have been killed, but he chose to remain in Kyiv. The more he is pressed, the more resilient he becomes.”

Paul Kirby, Europe digital editor

Numerous European summits have occurred, and more are on the horizon.

European leaders have suddenly recognized that the security guarantee they have depended on since World War Two may no longer exist, prompting a flurry of proposals.

There is a growing consensus that Europe must extend its support to Ukraine. France and the UK are proposing “a coalition of the willing” on the ground, contingent upon a peace agreement.

Russia disapproves of this notion, yet Macron plans to convene military chiefs on Tuesday to devise a strategy.

More pressing inquiries are emerging regarding how Europe defends itself from what EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen describes as a “clear and present danger.”

The imperative to prepare is highlighted by Macron, should US support wane. The EU is currently deliberating a multi-billion euro initiative to enhance its defensive capabilities.

Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, has suggested the feasibility of extending the nuclear deterrent from France and the UK across Europe.

Macron has shown openness to this idea, although France’s nuclear protection would have limits, with final decisions resting in Paris.

This directly touches upon Europe’s defense dilemma.

In the absence of US support, can individual European nations consolidate their resources and depend on one another?

Smaller nations like Lithuania have no option but to consider this.

The conversation has commenced, and Poland’s Donald Tusk asserts that it would be safer “if we possessed our own nuclear arsenal.”