Europe and US briefly upped the pressure on Russia over Ukraine. Trump upended that

For a brief 30 hours, Europe and the United States appeared united on Ukraine. Then, it all collapsed.

European leaders had pushed hard for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. They said President Donald Trump supported the plan in a call from Kyiv. They even shared a photo of the moment, hoping to send a clear message: the West stood together.

Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, backed the demand. European leaders warned of new sanctions if Russia didn’t comply by Monday.

Then Russian President Vladimir Putin made his move.

He dismissed the ceasefire entirely and revived an old idea: direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul. Four days later. Not a word about the ceasefire.

Trump quickly shifted. He posted on Truth Social that Putin “didn’t want a ceasefire” and urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to “HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!”

With that post, the illusion of transatlantic unity vanished.

Trump had been silent while European leaders voiced strong support for Ukraine. Once Putin spoke, Trump changed course. Again.

Zelensky responded by showing personal courage. He offered to meet Putin face-to-face. A bold move. One that comes with political risks at home, where many see Putin as a war criminal.

The White House has not ruled out behind-the-scenes diplomacy. But while Trump posted online, European leaders grew quiet. Meanwhile, Russia launched 108 drones across Ukraine. One strike trapped a 10-year-old girl in Kherson under rubble.

Europe's ceasefire push was always a long shot. Leaders knew Moscow might reject it. Still, some believe their real goal was to expose Putin’s resistance to peace—and to show Trump where Russia truly stands.

Instead, they got something else: clarity on Trump’s own position.

Putin ignored the European proposal entirely. So far, no new sanctions have followed. Trump offered no backing for Europe’s suggested military aid boost to Ukraine.

Worse, Trump adopted Putin’s Istanbul meeting as his new plan. The idea of holding Russia accountable faded into the background.

This isn’t the first time Trump has avoided moves that might upset the Kremlin. It's unclear if he spoke to Putin between the Kyiv call and his social media post. But his choice was clear: protect the relationship with Putin, not the alliance with Europe.

That leaves Europe and Ukraine in a bind.

If they act alone on sanctions, they risk exposing a split with the U.S. But if they do nothing, their threats in Kyiv ring hollow.

Experts say Russia has already been hit with most major sanctions. New penalties could also hurt the West. Still, the credibility of Europe’s threats now hangs in the balance.

The Istanbul meeting, if it happens, may be more theater than progress.

Zelensky and Putin despise each other. Putin sees Zelensky as a symbol of Western betrayal. Zelensky sees Putin as the man who kills children in their sleep. It is unlikely either will bend.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected in Turkey for the proposed meeting. Trump may also visit the region. The U.S. could try to broker talks. But Putin hasn’t even confirmed his attendance. If he does show up, it could look like a grand gesture—not a step toward real peace.

Analysts warn that Trump may be missing the bigger picture. Putin could be using these talks to stall. Russian forces continue to push near Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. There is no sign of military pause.

The weekend deadlines have come and gone. The brief moment of unity is over. Trump seems unwilling to challenge Putin.

The Istanbul meeting is just days away. It will likely offer more optics than outcomes. Personal tension will dominate. Peace may move further out of reach.

Trump's key decision—whether to confront Putin—remains delayed. But his lean toward the Kremlin is already clear.

Europe and Ukraine now face a difficult question: how do they move forward, if the United States will not?