The presidency of Donald Trump continues to be marked by unpredictability. This week, Trump was seen praising Russian President Vladimir Putin, drawing comparisons to a young fan admiring a hockey star. This moment was quickly followed by a flurry of activity as European leaders rushed to Washington, hoping to prevent Trump from announcing any controversial decisions that could destabilize international relations.

Leaders from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and representatives from NATO and the European Union remain vigilant against potential threats posed by Trump's administration. They managed to avert immediate crises during this visit, but the long-term stability of the Western world remains uncertain.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the White House, where he was careful to dress appropriately, avoiding the criticism he faced during his last visit. This time, he wore a dark jacket, and the meeting proceeded without incident. Zelenskyy even made a light-hearted comment about his attire, which was well-received.

Despite the friendly atmosphere, the meeting yielded little in terms of concrete outcomes. Trump claimed that there was widespread enthusiasm for peace, while French President Emmanuel Macron expressed skepticism about Russia's intentions to end the conflict. Trump dismissed the need for a ceasefire, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz argued that progress would be impossible without one.

Zelenskyy expressed his willingness to meet with Putin but did not indicate any readiness to concede Ukrainian territory or accept the stringent conditions set by the Russian president. Trump views the potential meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy as a key step in resolving the conflict. He stated, "I think he wants to make a deal. I think he wants to make a deal for me," reflecting his belief in his negotiating skills.

Trump has claimed to have ended six wars during his presidency, asserting that the Ukraine conflict could be resolved easily. He even reached out to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Støre in July to discuss his aspirations for a Nobel Peace Prize.

While Trump focuses on facilitating a summit and pursuing accolades, European leaders are seeking firm security guarantees for Ukraine against further Russian aggression. The specifics of these guarantees remain unclear, but proposals suggest the establishment of an international military force to deter future attacks. This concept aligns with NATO's Article 5, which treats an attack on one member as an attack on all.

However, Ukraine is not a NATO member, and Putin has stated it cannot become one. Therefore, European leaders are looking for a non-NATO agreement that would provide similar security assurances. Trump indicated that Washington would act as a "coordinator" in this effort. Given the importance of U.S. support for any security guarantees, Europe remains reliant on a president whose actions have raised questions about his reliability.