Tensions are mounting among key European NATO members as US President Donald Trump continues to deliver mixed signals over the trajectory of peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. According to a May 16 report by Bloomberg, officials in Europe are increasingly “frustrated” by Trump’s inconsistent stance, which is complicating efforts to present a unified front against Moscow amid renewed diplomatic engagement in Istanbul.

The Istanbul talks, held on May 16, marked the first direct engagement between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators since 2022. Mediated by Türkiye, the meeting included discussions around a temporary ceasefire, a potential prisoner exchange, and the groundwork for future dialogue. While Russia’s delegation, led by Vladimir Medinsky, called the session “satisfactory” and signaled readiness to continue talks, Ukraine remains hesitant to proceed without clear security guarantees and a ceasefire in place.

However, it is not Moscow’s position alone that is sowing confusion-it is Washington’s. European leaders had initially assumed Trump would back a collective Western move to escalate pressure on Russia by threatening fresh sanctions, particularly if Moscow rejected proposals for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. But that unity has begun to unravel following Trump’s sudden pivot in tone after Russia proposed direct talks with Kiev absent any preconditions.

Trump’s insistence that Ukraine “immediately” re-engage in dialogue has caused concern not just in Kiev, but across NATO’s European flank. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains wary of entering negotiations without at least a........

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