Europe shifts from Trump appeasement to direct talks with Putin

European leaders are abandoning efforts to appease US President Donald Trump amid a new crisis in US-Ukraine relations, instead preparing for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The shift follows Ukraine's defiance of US demands and growing European frustration with Trump's approach. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has become more outspoken against Trump, accusing him of throttling satellite services and appealing directly to American voters as Republicans face likely midterm losses. European capitals now believe Trump-whispering is ineffective, given his focus on business deals with Russia and anger over Europe's stance on Iran. Europe's strategy rests on supporting Ukraine and maintaining sanctions, but direct peacemaking involvement is seen as necessary since European money keeps Ukraine afloat. Putin may propose a three-way summit with Trump and China's Xi Jinping, while European talks could offer Ukraine two paths: freezing the conflict without NATO membership, or ceding Donbas for NATO entry.