Peace on the Horizon or New Divisions?

The Netherlands [ENA] The global media continues to discuss the recent tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and his team with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. Many programs I have watched criticize Trump's actions, and his treatment of Zelensky has become the subject of intense scrutiny. At the same time, there are those—albeit indirectly—who attempt to justify Trump’s stance.

Some argue that Zelensky has not shown enough gratitude to the American people, while others claim that he refuses to agree to peace. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, meanwhile, has called on Zelensky to restore ties with the U.S. As we know, Zelensky left the White House earlier than expected and refused to sign the agreement that Trump was strongly urging him to approve—an agreement related to Ukraine’s natural resources. The U.S. had previously warned that it would suspend aid to Ukraine under such circumstances, and it seems determined to follow through on this decision.

Following his visit to the U.S., Zelensky traveled to the UK to attend the European Leaders’ Summit, where the Ukraine-Russia war was also a key topic of discussion. Many believe that Europe’s security is closely tied to the outcome of this war. Because of this, the prevailing expectation is that Europe will continue supporting Ukraine. Although the U.S. has been Ukraine’s largest financial and military supporter, European countries have also provided significant aid. Since the war began, the European Union has supplied Ukraine with €88 billion in military and humanitarian assistance. However, everyone understands that without U.S. support, Ukraine’s chances of success in this war are extremely slim.

The U.S., however, appears unwilling to continue its aid. Even if assistance were to resume, the future course of the war and its ultimate outcome remain uncertain. Can Ukraine achieve victory? If the war continues, could this officially mark the beginning of World War III? Under what conditions will Russia agree to peace? If the terms are entirely in Moscow’s favor, will this not increase Russia’s influence both over former Soviet republics and on the global stage? Europe is trying to convey to Ukraine the necessity of peace and is proposing a temporary ceasefire. Discussions on drafting a long-term peace plan are also on the agenda.

Although a $2.74 billion loan agreement for Ukraine was signed in the UK, success in this war still seems impossible without U.S. support. Zelensky understands this reality as well. That is why, recently, Trump revealed that Zelensky had sent him a letter expressing his willingness to start negotiations for a lasting peace and to sign an agreement regarding Ukraine’s natural resources at any time. Before becoming president, Trump was a businessman, and he remains one today. Even if he weren’t, everyone knows that in politics, interests take precedence above all else. Ukraine serves as a buffer between the West—particularly NATO and the EU—and Russia. Both Europe and Russia want Ukraine on their side for security reasons.

But what about Ukraine’s own security? Is it merely a subject of diplomatic statements, or is it truly a priority for anyone? The sudden 180-degree shift in America’s stance on this issue reminds me of a famous quote from Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray: "I should say that America has never been discovered. It has merely been detected." Yes, we can expect many more shifts driven by self-interest. Because America has not yet been fully discovered…