The open quarrel between Presidents Zeleskyj and Trump in front of the world's TV cameras struck like a bomb. The obvious analysis of this:
It reinforces the image of a rift between Europe and the USA, says Björn Fägersten, senior researcher at the Foreign Policy Institute and CEO of the analysis company Politea.
Three Conflicts
Now there are three parallel conflicts, according to Fägersten. The security policy, the economic one with all the tariff threats, and the value policy that became extra clear after the televised quarrel.
It is, of course, completely fatal for our ability to act together.
The question is what Europe can do to help Ukraine if the USA backs out. Does Europe have the military muscles?
It is clear that the USA has been an incredibly important military contributor, the most important I would say. And they have certain systems and resources in place that are quite difficult for Europeans to compensate for in the short term, says Björn Fägersten.
It is clear that it works. But Europe must increase the pace. More countries must contribute more, he continues.
Decisiveness is Needed
But it is not just the military capability and the economic muscles that matter.
You must not forget the political unity and decision-making, and here the USA has been extremely important, for example, when it comes to pushing for sanctions, and for the entire common line towards Russia, says Björn Fägersten.
The unity is on its way to cracking, also encouraged by Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who quickly came out and praised Trump's televised mocking of Zelenskyj.
He therefore sees a need for the EU to step up decisively. More power may need to be placed at the EU level, not just a lot of intergovernmental top meetings.
I think it requires some bold moves and steps, both when it comes to joint loan financing, but also how we can make decisions together.
On Sunday, the UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer has invited several of Europe's top leaders to yet another crisis meeting. Questions that will likely arise:
What is Europe willing to do itself. I think it will be about practical questions. Who is actually willing to send troops (peacekeeping troops to Ukraine) and under what circumstances? What do they see as a negotiating solution?
