Trump will not force Ukraine to start talks with Russia prematurely.

Ukraine’s European allies have held a series of private talks with Donald Trump’s team, during which the partners justified the need to provide further support for Kyiv, and feel cautiously optimistic that the new US president will not force Ukraine into premature talks with Russia.

According to the Europeans, this exchange of views gives reason to believe that the future administration can help Ukraine regain strength before negotiations begin. Trump officials seem to have been receptive to two arguments: The new American leader risks humiliation if he abandons Kyiv, and if Russia achieves victory, it will only push China to take more aggressive action. The Trump team is putting forward several ideas for future actions in Ukraine, but there is not yet a plan in place that can be implemented immediately following the inauguration.

However, the talks have brought a feeling of cautious relief in Europe. At the same time, the EU is also calculating worst-case scenarios, should Trump fulfill his promise to end the war quickly, which would strengthen Putin.