Vitaly Portnikov reviews the outcomes of the Paris 'Coalition of the Willing' summit, where Donald Trump's reaction to Russia and prospects for new sanctions were the central topics. The expiration of Trump's ultimatum to Vladimir Putin led to no concrete actions, and the US president appears to be searching for a way out, blaming Europeans and Ukraine for a lack of constructiveness.
The dual standards in European purchases of Russian oil are discussed, as well as demands for China to halt such practices. Portnikov highlights that the United States expects decisiveness from the EU but is itself avoiding direct action.
Special focus is given to the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine. Meanwhile, the US representative at the summit attended mainly in a symbolic capacity, without any real proposals for American participation in guarantees.
According to the commentator, rhetoric about new sanctions and peace talks seems like another round of ineffective pressure on Russia, while discussions over a possible Zelensky-Putin meeting serve as a diplomatic tool.
Portnikov notes the shift in positions among European politicians and Trump's tendency to shift responsibility onto allies. He emphasizes the importance of supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles, seeing this type of support as decisive for countering Russia. He argues that talk of security guarantees only strengthens Russia’s position in prolonging the war.
The article also examines attitudes in Polish society towards the war and Ukraine’s NATO accession, the impact of the migration crisis and economic changes in Europe, the rise of far-right political forces, and dilemmas of security in the Western world.
