European leaders are performing a delicate balancing act in Washington this week as they navigate their relationship with Donald Trump to help Ukraine. A delegation has arrived to support President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who faces a tough meeting with Trump over a pro-Russia peace plan.
The mission requires the leaders to maintain a working relationship with the unpredictable US president while simultaneously opposing his policy on Ukraine. This “bodyguard” operation is a masterclass in complex, multi-track diplomacy.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is a prime example of this balancing act. He has managed to keep Trump on side, with the US president even emphasizing their good relations, all while being one of Zelenskyy’s most vocal and visible supporters. He must preserve this rapport ahead of Trump’s state visit to the UK next month.
Similarly, NATO’s Mark Rutte balances his strategic flattery of Trump with his ironclad commitment to the alliance’s support for Ukraine. This dual approach—maintaining ties while holding a firm line—is Europe’s strategy for convincing Trump to abandon a plan they see as a historic mistake.
Picture Credit: www.flickr.com
