Donald Trump has drawn criticism over talks with Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg this week, with critics accusing him of “selling out Ukraine” and of being ready to give Putin much of what he wants. A European diplomatic source told RadarOnline.com there is a growing belief that Trump is prepared to give Putin almost everything he wants, regardless of the consequences for Ukraine, and that the approach looks like an attempt to reward Russian aggression and force Kyiv to accept the result.
The same source said Trump appears more interested in an agreement with Putin than in a settlement Ukraine can survive, and that the fear is Russia emerging stronger, Ukraine left exposed, and Europe inheriting the security consequences for decades. Concerns include possible pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept territorial concessions, and European doubts about Washington’s commitment to defending Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.
Criticism has also focused on Trump’s approach to sanctions, Russian energy purchases and reported interruptions to American intelligence support for Kyiv, and on whether possible commercial ties with Moscow are shaping diplomatic priorities. A European security source said economic opportunities with Russia appear to be placed ahead of security commitments, and that Trump risks weakening Western unity without meaningful Russian concessions. The source described frustration in European capitals that have invested heavily in supporting Ukraine, and said the comparison with Neville Chamberlain is becoming hard to ignore. Chamberlain, Britain’s wartime-era prime minister, became associated with appeasement after the 1938 Munich agreement with Nazi Germany. Critics argue that letting Russia keep occupied Ukrainian territory could encourage further aggression and weaken rules protecting sovereign borders.
European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, face growing pressure to show greater independence from Washington. European intelligence agencies have also warned of Russian espionage, sabotage and cyberattacks against Western countries. A Western defence source said that if Putin concludes military aggression brings territorial rewards, his ambitions may not stop at Ukraine, and that other authoritarian governments are watching the US response. The source said Europe cannot keep relying on Washington’s assurances while American policy moves the other way, and that there are serious discussions about stronger independent defence, more pressure on Moscow and parts of the transatlantic relationship.
Trump has repeatedly said negotiations are needed to end the conflict, while Ukraine says any lasting settlement must protect its sovereignty. European governments continue military and financial aid to Kyiv as Russian forces keep up their offensive and Ukrainian drones strike infrastructure inside Russia.
Trump has also commented on reports that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, called Putin a “humanitarian.” He said: “Well, I think it's fair to say that this was necessary precisely for this purpose – to secure the release of a man who thought he would spend his entire life in prison. However, I wouldn't say anything one way or the other.” He was referring to the release of US citizen Stephen Hubbard, 74, after four years in a Russian prison following a conviction for “mercenary activity.”