Europe not ready to confront Russia without U.S., expert says

This opinion was shared by international expert Bohdan Ferens on the Espreso TV channel.

"I believe that our political leadership should not act in a linear way, especially given the current situation Ukraine is in. In foreign policy and diplomacy, we must pragmatically analyze the objectives of different parties, including Ukraine's partners. This allows for maneuvering when needed," Ferens explained.

The expert also added that European leaders are currently trying to convince Donald Trump to support Ukraine, to ensure better positions for Kyiv in future negotiations.

"In terms of our capabilities, we also have limitations in influencing Trump and his administration. This must be taken into account. In my opinion, there are things that can be influenced, but there are things that even European leaders cannot influence. 

After all, all these visits of European leaders to the Oval Office were in the context of bilateral relations, and on the other side, there was the context of the Russian war. European countries are not ready to face the Russian threat on their own without the U.S. Therefore, they are trying to convince Trump to stay in this context and support Ukraine, so that the initial conditions for future negotiations will be stronger for Kyiv and our partners," he added.

• On July 3, U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call with Russian ruler Vladimir Putin, during which the U.S. leader raised the issue of ending the war in Ukraine. In response, the Kremlin leader stated that Russia would not abandon the removal of all causes of confrontation.
• The following day, on July 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with Donald Trump, which included discussions on air defense and protecting the skies.