Story perspectives

Europe Courts Trump for Ukraine Aid Amid Rising Protests

1/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

European leaders have shifted strategy toward U.S. President Donald Trump, using flattery to secure continued financial support for Ukraine.
The approach emerged at the NATO Summit in June and during an Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky's influence appears to be waning as domestic protests over corruption and conscription rise.
Belgium's resistance to expropriating Russian assets complicates Europe’s support, forcing greater borrowing to sustain the war.

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Story summary

European leaders have shifted strategy toward U.S. President Donald Trump, using flattery to secure continued financial support for Ukraine.
The approach emerged at the NATO Summit in June and during an Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky's influence appears to be waning as domestic protests over corruption and conscription rise.
Belgium's resistance to expropriating Russian assets complicates Europe’s support, forcing greater borrowing to sustain the war.