American severance may be averted, but Europe’s leaders must fear the worst

A diplomatic priority for Europe is to demonstrate for Trump’s benefit Russia’s role in obstructing peace. Photograph: Omar Havana/AP

With a mixture of regret, laced with incredulity, European leaders gathered in Brussels to marshal their forces for a power struggle not with Russia, but with the US.

Even now, of course at the 11th hour, most of Europe hopes this coming battle of wills can be averted and the Trump administration can still be persuaded that forcing Ukraine to the negotiating table, disarmed and blinded, will not be the US’s long-term strategic interest.