Zelenskyy flip leaves Europe in the cold

Post the disaster at the White House, Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in London to a warm welcome and support from European nations.

- HARSHA KAKAR

Added was the presence of Canada's Justin Trudeau. The welcome was largely because Europe and Canada have also faced a hostile Trump administration.

Canada is heading for increased tariffs while Europe was ticked off by the US secretary of defence Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance on their own turf. Trump has also warned the EU of increased tariffs. Canada and Europe are currently threatening counter-tariffs. The trans-Atlantic alliance is no longer what it was during Joe Biden's tenure.

At the end of the Zelenskyy-European group meeting, British PM Keir Starmer mentioned, "Europe must do the heavy lifting," adding, "to support peace, and to succeed, this effort must have strong US backing." Europe is aware that they lack clout to push any deal through on their own and need US guarantees for ensuring the survival of Ukraine.

However, they believe they can continue funding Ukraine even if the US does not. Europe attempted to send a message to the US that it cares for Ukraine as it is part of the continent.

The group, termed the 'coalition of the willing,' announced its intent to develop a plan for ending the Ukraine conflict. There was hope that Zelenskyy could also repair his relationship with Trump. Britain and France agreed to contribute troops for a peacekeeping force, if required. Starmer individually announced a financial package of military funding for Ukraine.

In January this year, just prior to Trump's swearing in, Starmer visited Ukraine and inked a 100-year partnership agreement. It covers support through multiple sectors including health care and military technology as also security guarantees 'once the war ends.' Zelenskyy mentioned that the agreement included a classified portion, which possibly is about sharing Ukraine's rare earth resources.