Former President Donald Trump‘s approach to diplomacy, characterized by a focus on personal relationships and transactional deals, has been a subject of much discussion. european representatives, observing his interactions with Ukraine and his expressions of gratitude towards Trump, seemed to grasp that Trump views negotiation through the lens of personal connections, much like in his business dealings.

Though, a summit’s staging conveyed an image of imbalance, with nine European officials seated in a somewhat disorganized manner in the Oval Office, seemingly listening to instructions from the former President, who was comfortably seated in his armchair.

Kremlin Downplays Imminent Putin-Zelenski Meeting Despite Trump’s Optimism

“A great piece of the territory has been taken, and that territory is already taken.” – Donald Trump on the Ukraine conflict.

Trump’s transactional approach to diplomacy is also notable,potentially explaining his treatment of Europe and Russia in recent meetings.He seemingly believes that Europeans have little to offer him, asserting that the European Union was established to “annoy” the US, economically exploiting the country through trade surpluses, and relying on the US military umbrella without adequately contributing to their defense.

Conversely, Trump recognizes Russia’s potential contributions, extending beyond access to mineral resources and the establishment of Arctic commercial routes. Russia holds the key to resolving the conflict that began three years prior with its large-scale invasion of ukraine. Trump aims to swiftly resolve this conflict to solidify his image as a peacemaker and concentrate on domestic and cultural issues.

During a summit with European leaders, a map of Ukraine displayed in the Oval Office highlighted the invaded regions in red, encompassing a quarter of the country. “I suppose you have all seen the map,” Trump later remarked on Fox News. “A great piece of the territory has been taken, and that territory is already taken,” he added, implying that Kyiv should accept this reality and cede territory in potential negotiations with Russia. The former president initiated “preparations” for that meeting during the summit, reportedly calling Putin after the meeting with the Europeans. He explained that he did not do so in front of his counterparts because it “would have been disrespectful” to the Russian leader, a gesture perceived by some as further disregard for Europe, a conventional US ally.

However, the Kremlin has reportedly dismissed Trump’s expressed enthusiasm for a bilateral meeting between Ukrainian President Zelenski and Putin, preceding a proposed trilateral meeting involving trump, intended to finalize a peace agreement. “No meeting has been planned,” stated Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. “Putin will meet with Zelenski when the agenda is ready for a summit, but is not at all.” Following these statements, Trump reportedly threatened the Kremlin with additional sanctions, described as residual due to the limited commercial relationship between the US and Russia since the invasion.

Trump’s Display of Admiration for Putin and Disdain for Europe in Recent Engagements

Through his actions over the past ten days, Trump has conveyed the message that peace is closer than ever, despite the absence of tangible progress from his meetings. In his diplomatic approach, the image often outweighs the actual outcomes of his encounters. consequently, foreign leaders visit the Oval Office bearing gifts and delivering speeches filled with praise and flattery to the world’s most powerful leader.

As an example, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented a letter signed by King Carlos III, inviting Trump to a second state visit, an unprecedented gesture.Similarly, Beniamin netanyahu reportedly gave Trump a golden search at their initial meeting and, following the bombing of Iran, a letter proposing him for a Nobel Peace prize.