The News Meeting

Can Zelensky and European leaders get President Trump back on Ukraine’s side?

5 snips
Aug 18, 2025
Stephen Armstrong, a reporter at The Observer, and Katie Riley, the data editor, dive into the intricate dance of geopolitics, evaluating Ukraine President Zelensky's attempts to sway Trump post-Alaska Summit. They candidly discuss the clash of Washington’s militarization with America's political trajectory and dissect MPs making TikToks. The duo reflects on the unpredictable nature of international diplomacy and the role of social media in today’s political engagements. This engaging conversation sheds light on the evolving landscape of political communication.
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INSIGHT

Volatility Is A Strategic Weapon

  • Trump's stance on Ukraine shifts with whoever spoke to him last, making policy unpredictable.
  • That volatility risks dividing Western allies and plays into Vladimir Putin's strategy to sow Western dissension.
INSIGHT

Article 5 Without NATO?

  • Trump suggested guaranteeing 'Article 5 security' to Ukraine while ruling out NATO membership, creating a contradiction.
  • That would offer many NATO benefits without formal accession, producing ambiguity about defence commitments.
ADVICE

Follow What Happens After The Meeting

  • Reporters should track developments after the European leaders meet Trump to see which way policy solidifies.
  • Focus coverage on post-meeting actions because those will reveal whether the West stays united or fractures.
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