A Turbulent Week in Global Politics: Key Developments Unfold”
This week witnessed a remarkable exchange between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine securing European support for defense, and Russian strikes hitting Ukraine.
With US-Ukraine talks set for next week in Saudi Arabia, what’s on the minds of global leaders? Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments.
US Politics: Rare Criticism of Moscow Amid Trump-Russia Allegations
Washington DC | Tom Bateman, State Department Correspondent
After Donald Trump and JD Vance’s harsh attack on Zelensky, the US president suspended military and intelligence aid to Ukraine on Monday. Critics argue this move directly weakens Ukraine’s defense and proves Trump’s alignment with Russia.
The administration insists this is leverage to push Zelensky into a minerals deal and ceasefire. Trump’s envoy, Gen. Keith Kellogg, compared the aid withdrawal to “hitting a mule in the face with a plank”—a move meant to force compliance.
Rare Criticism of Russia: While Trump threatened new sanctions against Moscow on Friday, his administration has largely avoided condemning Russia, despite its escalating bombardment of Ukraine.
State Department’s Silence: When asked about Russia’s rejection of European peacekeepers in Ukraine, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce refused to comment—while echoing Trump’s claim that Zelensky is “not ready for peace.”
Next week, Trump’s top foreign policy team is set to meet Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia—but tensions remain high.
Russia: Leaders Revel in Western Divisions as Strikes on Ukraine Intensify
Russia Gains Confidence as Western Divisions Deepen
Until Trump’s sanctions threat, all pressure remained on Kyiv, giving Russia no reason to ease its offensive. The suspension of U.S. military aid marks one of Ukraine’s worst setbacks, strengthening Russia’s position on the battlefield.
Moscow’s deadly attacks continue, as it remains committed to capturing more Ukrainian land and rejecting truce or peacekeeping efforts. Meanwhile, Macron’s warning that Trump’s America may no longer be ‘on our side’ plays right into Putin’s hands.
For years, Putin has worked to fracture the West—and now, without firing a shot, he watches the cracks grow. As Ukraine and the U.S. prepare for talks in Saudi Arabia next week, Russia observes with confidence.
Ukraine: After a Tough Week, Zelensky Prepares for Crucial US Talks
Zelensky Under Fire: A Week of Setbacks, Defiance & High-Stakes Diplomacy
It’s been a bruising and emotional week for Ukraine’s embattled leader, fighting to keep Western military aid flowing while reaffirming his commitment to peace.
After a dramatic Oval Office clash with Trump, Kyiv was hit with another blow—the suspension of US military aid and intelligence-sharing. A source close to the government summed up the mood: “There’s a scent of betrayal in the air.”
Refusing to bow to Trump’s demand for a public apology, Zelensky instead sent a letter, calling their White House encounter “regrettable.“ To rebuild support, he rushed to Brussels, securing symbolic solidarity but not the military backing he needed.
Meanwhile, he urged EU leaders to back a limited truce at sea and in the air—a proposal supported by France’s Emmanuel Macron.
Next week, Ukraine and the US will meet in Saudi Arabia, but the road to peace remains uncertain. Yet, despite the setbacks, Zelensky stands firm. A close source put it simply: “Three years ago, he could have fled—but he stayed. The more pressure he’s under, the tougher he gets.”
Europe: Will France Expand Its Nuclear Umbrella as US Support Wavers?
Europe Scrambles for Security as US Support Wavers
With back-to-back summits and more on the way, Europe’s leaders are racing to rethink their security strategy as the US umbrella of protection grows uncertain.
There’s a clear consensus: Ukraine needs support. France and the UK are pushing a “coalition of the willing” for ground assistance if a peace deal is struck—an idea Russia strongly opposes. On Tuesday, Macron will convene military chiefs to craft a strategy.
But the bigger question looms: Can Europe defend itself without the US?
The EU is discussing a multi-billion euro defense boost.
Germany’s next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has floated the idea of extending France and the UK’s nuclear deterrent across Europe.
Macron is open to the idea, but ultimate control would remain in Paris.
For smaller nations like Lithuania, reliance on Europe is the only option. Meanwhile, Poland’s Donald Tusk is calling for an even bolder move: a European nuclear arsenal.
The debate is heating up, and Europe’s defense future hangs in the balance.