As critical US-Russia talks loom in Saudi Arabia to address the Ukraine war, Vladimir Putin finds himself in a position of strength. The Trump administration's actions have shifted away from traditional allies towards Putin, ending his international isolation and fracturing Western unity on the conflict.
There are concerns that the US may prioritize a deal with Putin over the interests of Ukraine and Europe, with conflicting statements from Trump aides adding to the uncertainty. The exclusion of European nations from peace talks on Ukraine has raised alarms in European capitals, prompting an emergency meeting in Paris.
