In the fairy tale of the Grimm brothers, the Little Red Riding Hood does not listen to good advice. When she meets a wolf who asks her to break a few flowers for her grandmother, he gets lost on a colorful meadow.
In this way, he gives the wolf exactly as much time as he needs to eat grandmother. His trick worked. The wolf was smarter than the grandmother and the Little Red Riding Hood together.
Will the simple European council ultimately stop the evil deeds of Wolf Putin? You can also doubt it nowadays. So far, Trump only threatens “very serious consequences” if he disagrees with peace in Ukraine. Here are four observations before the summit in Alaska.
What Europeans proposed – headed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz – served to confirm Europe in her beliefs, and not to prepare for negotiations.
The advice, in order not to give the territory of Ukraine and not leave the country without protection even after the conclusion of peace, is understood from the point of view of Ukraine, but on the eve of peace conversations it is unlikely to make sense. In this way, the US President is trying to take away the flexibility, which he needs for real peace negotiations.
John Macdougall AFP Pool / PAP
The President of Ukraine Wołodymyr Zielnski and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz participate in an online meeting with other European leaders, Berlin, Germany, 13 August 2025.
Time for Realpolitik
Of course, part of the occupied territory, primarily the Crimean Peninsula, and then Donbass, are negotiable. An attempt to consolidate the status of Ukraine as a part of the West with a guarantee of military protection would mean Trump's obligation to win and recognize Putin as a lost. This is desirable, but in the current situation unreal. Realpolitik means recognition of reality, not denying it.
Continuation of the material under the video
During three years of war and thanks to cynical sacrifice over 100,000 Russian soldiers of Putin seized important fragments of Ukraine. He won't give them back, and even if, only in exchange for the painful concessions of the West.
Uncomfortable truth
During the Friday summit, a demilitarized zone will probably be discussed along the western border of Russia. The meeting program will also probably include the issue of the new territorial division of currently occupied areas. The role of NATO in Eastern Europe should also be an important topic at the negotiating table.
Trump was limited in its activities by public declarations of Europeans, which was clearly the purpose of Friedrich Merz's initiative. The maneuvering field for real peace conversations has been narrowed, not expanded.
The unity of the West is a priority
The statement that there is no consent in all issues, but only in the most important ones, revealed discrepancies that are important only in internal policy. In foreign relations, the unity between Europe and the United States is currently the highest importance.
Merz openly warned Trump not to underestimate Putin, who so far responded to every West's peace initiative with an even greater war. It was accurate but not helpful. Trump went out to be praised and Europeans wise. Whoever has such friends does not need enemies.
To sum up, this diplomatic initiative of Europeans did not strengthen the US president, and even weakened him. The video conference was really used to prepare Putin, not Trump. The bad wolf is already waiting for the Little Red Riding Hood in Alaska.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
