Geopolitical Landscape & Security Concerns - The inclusion of former Warsaw Pact and Eastern European countries into NATO was a deliberate decision to prevent territorial disputes and promote democracy [2] - Concerns exist among European leaders that President Trump's administration might "sell Ukraine short" and fail to prevent Russia from further aggression against former Soviet states or rolling back NATO enlargement [4] - European leaders fear a potential abandonment of Ukraine by the U S, which could threaten the security of the entire Europe [13] US-Russia-Ukraine Relations - President Trump has been accused of making untruthful statements regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, particularly suggesting that it is up to Zelensky to end the war [6] - European leaders are seeking verifiable wins, including ensuring President Trump does not pressure Ukraine to cede territory to Russia [6] - There are concerns that President Putin has no intention of stopping the war, potentially dragging it on, especially with a U S president who might allow it [7][8][9] European Response & Leadership - European leaders are trying to ensure U S backing for security guarantees for Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression [7] - Mark Rutte, the former Netherlands prime minister and the secretary general of NATO, is seen as a potential leader in pushing back against Trump's alignment with Putin [12] - The Financial Times editorial described Trump's summit with Putin as an embarrassing failure and a terrible mistake [10]