A Top EU Official Warns Trump Against Letting Putin Divide the U.S. and Europe

A top European Union official, Kaja Kallas, has issued a stark warning to President Donald Trump, urging him not to allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to succeed in driving a wedge between the United States and Europe. As Trump seeks to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, Kallas emphasized that any deal reached without involving Europe would be doomed to fail. "Europe and the U.S. are stronger together," she told Fox News Digital from South Africa. "This is exactly why Putin is trying to divide us. Let’s not do him the favor," she added. Her comments reflect growing concerns in Europe about the Trump administration’s approach to resolving the conflict in Ukraine, particularly after the U.S. held talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia without European or Ukrainian representation.

A Growing Rift Over the Handling of the Ukraine War

The concerns in Europe intensified after Kallas held a call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and foreign ministers from France, the U.K., Italy, and Germany to discuss the U.S.-Russia talks. The Trump administration’s push to find a solution to the war has raised eyebrows, as neither Ukraine nor any European officials were present during the discussions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed frustration, saying, "When they say ‘these are our plans for the end of the war,’ it raises questions for us. Where are we at this negotiating table? This war is taking place inside Ukraine. Putin is killing Ukrainians, not Americans." Zelenskyy stressed the need for "a just peace, a lasting peace, a sustainable peace," but his comments highlight the sense of exclusion and vulnerability felt by Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Rubio sought to clarify the U.S. position, stating that Ukraine, Europe, and Russia would need to be involved in any ceasefire terms. However, some of Trump’s remarks have caused frustration in Kyiv and concern across Europe. Kallas criticized Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine should hold presidential elections, pointing out that such a move is impossible amid Russia’s ongoing attacks. "Elections in Ukraine are impossible amid Russia’s daily attacks, which have displaced millions of Ukrainians," she said. "Let’s not forget Russia hasn’t held a free election in 25 years."

The Ukrainian Perspective: A Call for Strength and Inclusion

Zelenskyy’s frustration is shared by many in Ukraine, who feel that their voice is being sidelined in discussions about their own future. "We want a just peace, a lasting peace, a sustainable peace," Zelenskyy reiterated, but his words carry a sense of urgency and disillusionment. The Ukrainian president made his comments after meeting with Turkish President Recep Erdoğan in Turkey, where he continued to advocate for Ukraine’s interests. His statement, "Where are we at this negotiating table? This war is taking place inside Ukraine. Putin is killing Ukrainians, not Americans," underscores the feeling that Ukraine is being treated as a bystander in negotiations that directly affect its people.

Kallas echoed Zelenskyy’s concerns, arguing that any attempt to end the war must involve Ukraine and Europe. "We need American strength, not concessions, to end this war on Ukraine’s terms," she said. "Handing Ukrainian territory to Putin on a plate is a losing strategy." Kallas also revealed that she has proposed increasing EU military aid to Ukraine this year, emphasizing that "Kyiv must be able to negotiate from a place of strength." Her proposal reflects a broader European push to ensure Ukraine is equipped to defend itself and negotiate effectively.

Europe Takes Charge: Emergency Summits and Military Aid

European leaders are taking proactive steps to address the situation, with reports indicating that they held a second emergency summit on Ukraine in Paris. The summit followed a smaller meeting of leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Denmark, and the U.K. after the Munich Security Conference. These gatherings highlight Europe’s growing determination to assert its role in resolving the conflict, even as concerns about U.S. strategy persist.

Kallas, along with other European leaders, is pushing for increased military aid to Ukraine. Her proposal to ramp up support demonstrates Europe’s commitment to ensuring that Ukraine can negotiate from a position of strength. At the same time, the emergency summits serve as a reminder that Europe is not willing to stand on the sidelines as the U.S. and Russia shape the future of Ukraine. These actions signal a shift toward greater European autonomy in addressing the crisis, even as transatlantic cooperation remains a priority.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the concerns about Putin’s efforts to divide the West, some analysts argue that the Trump administration’s strategy does not indicate a withdrawal of U.S. support for Europe. Rebekah Koffler, a former DIA intelligence officer and author of "Putin’s Playbook," noted that "the U.S. is not turning against Europe." She emphasized that NATO had ample time to prepare for and deter the war in Ukraine but failed to act decisively. "In the course of several years, my colleagues and I briefed senior military and intelligence officials of top European nations on the Russian threat. In vain," Koffler said, recalling how she and her colleagues warned European nations about Russia’s intentions as far back as 2013.

Koffler also pointed out that the West was already divided before Trump’s efforts to end the war, citing some NATO nations’ failure to meet defense spending agreements. "Trump is handing over the responsibility for Europe’s protection to the Europeans," she said, suggesting that the current situation presents an opportunity for Europe to step up and take greater control of its own security. While this perspective may not alleviate all concerns, it highlights the broader strategic shifts at play in the transatlantic alliance.

As the situation unfolds, the key question remains whether the U.S. and Europe can align their strategies effectively to counter Putin’s ambitions and secure a lasting peace in Ukraine. The warnings from Kallas, the frustrations of Zelenskyy, and the broader geopolitical dynamics all point to a critical moment in the war in Ukraine—one that will require strength, unity, and strategic clarity from both the U.S. and Europe.