Can the EU rely on the US after the Washington summit?

After the Ukraine summit in Washington, Europe promises to play its role in a peace process for Ukraine. Will this promise improve relations with the United States?

Bilanci of the Washington meeting of European heads of state and government at the White House is highly balanced. On the one hand, Europe, this continent took a breath freely: there was no confrontation between Voldymyr Zelenski and Donald Trump, as had last February or even a break in the transatlantic relationship. On the other hand, Donald Trump failed to meet the main European requirements first of all, the call for a ceasefire before peace negotiations for Ukraine began. Niklas Ebert, responsible for the security programme at the Marshall Fund institute, says Europeans in current conditions achieved the best possible. But Europe must be prepared for the fact that the transatlantic relationship is no longer what it once was. Washington is not a partner you can always rely on, Ebert warns. Even Anthony Gardner, former US ambassador to the EU during the Barack Obama administration and now adviser, is not quite optimistic that Washington's meeting will improve transatlantic relations, that is. “Trump still views Europe as largely insignificant”, Gardner points out.

Even though European politicians managed to change the gear in favor of Ukraine, the meeting failed to produce any significant results. Gardner also expects that Europeans will have to repeat this, as Trump changes his mind “Every hour”. After all, the aim of the current US president is to reach an agreement that is favourable to him.

Europe to make its contribution to peace

However, the US's readiness to participate in so-called security guarantees for Ukraine is considered the progress of the last days. Word of protection promises similar to those in Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, where it is written on obligation to provide assistance if one of the allies is attacked. In Washington, the European delegation sought to stress its readiness to make its contribution. For example, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the US president: “You can be sure that Europe is very conscious to give its fair contribution to these security guarantees for Ukraine ʹ after all, its security is clearly at stake. ”

The so-called “co-ordination of willers”, along with the strengthening of the Ukrainian Army, is likely to be a central element of future security guarantees.

What is “the Coalation of the Volnets”?

“The coalition of Vulnets” was created several months ago by France and Great Britain. There are now reportedly about 30 members. According to EU Council President Antonio Costa, in addition to European countries, Canada, Turkey, Japan and New Zealand attended a telephone conference of this group. Following the end of the fighting in Ukraine, <x2 defence patrols” will be deployed, aimed at helping rebuild Ukrainian land forces and secure Ukraine's sea and air space, co-chairman Keir Starmer announced in July.

The expert Ebert views “the voluntary coalition” as a political “synal to Washington” that Europe is willing to take on more responsibility and challenge the American environment that Europeans are being held at the expense of the US. Former Ambassador Anthony Gardner claims that works are coming from Europeans “behind words already”. This is important, but it also took a lot of time. Europe's conduct may not be without interest. Security expert Ebert says the Europeans' other motive is also to keep Americans on their side, reports DW, Periscopi broadcast.

Without the United States there is no solution

One thing is clear: Without Americans, the assurances of the safety mentioned above will be difficult to realise if not impossible. Political analyst Ebert told DW that Europeans are dependent on the US for both air and missile protection, as well as the mission of detection and strategic air transport. So they need Americans as security. Europe is unable to mobilise a large enough force to effectively protect a possible ceasefire. Therefore, it must be clear that the United States will intervene if something happens, Ebert points out.

It's currently working to formulate security guarantees. According to British sources, a meeting between the US and representatives of the “Fundition of the Volnetists” is scheduled to take place in the coming days.

Trump hosts European ground troops

A sensitive issue here is <x0trupa on the ground”, so there should be European land troops in Ukraine. While British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared his intention to send troops to Ukraine, the German government has not yet taken a final stand on the issue. Russia opposes deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine.

Former American Ambassador Gardner criticised the fact that, although much has been said about the matter, it seems like it will finally be about much less. Even after many months, it is still unclear what Europe is willing to contribute to. Depending on each other, their willingness to act on Europeans and Americans are shifting responsibility from here and there.

In an interview with American Fox News television, Donald Trump made his Europe expectations clear: He expects Germany, France and Great Britain to send troops. The United States is prepared to provide support, for example, from the air. The issue of ground troops can therefore be the next test for transatlantic relations. /Periscopi