An article in Politico EU published on Aug. 19 reports that “a series of emergency talks” were held by European leaders on Aug. 19 to “weigh their response and share intel” after the Aug. 18 meeting at the White House. It quotes one anonymous diplomat involved in the talks, who wishfully stated: “It’s clear that if we end up in a situation where Putin proves he doesn’t want to end the war, that will force Trump to act and it strengthens the case for sanctions.”
Another diplomat claimed the Europeans were happy to support Trump’s efforts, not because they necessarily thought it would work but “because it will be a clear test of Russian intentions.” Another said the process underway is going to help Ukraine “negotiate from a position of strength.” Politico even adds the wild-eyed claim that “many argue Putin was strong-armed into engaging with Trump in Alaska only after Washington introduced high tariffs against India over its purchase of Russia’s economic lifeblood: oil.”
