By John Q. Hosedrinker 
During a press conference, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that if Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to delay a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as agreed upon at a previous summit, it will have significant consequences. Macron explained that Putin promised to meet with Zelenskyy, but has since provided various reasons for postponing the meeting. If the meeting is not arranged by September 1st, Macron indicated that he and others will advocate for primary and secondary sanctions to be imposed. He also defended his prior characterization of Putin.
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Macron: If Putin avoids meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump must respond. It’s a pretty clear call, right? If Putin ducks a meeting with Zelenskyy, especially when peace negotiations are hanging in the balance, there’s an expectation that someone, somewhere, will step up and apply some pressure. And right now, with the world stage the way it is, the focus seems to be landing squarely on Donald Trump. It’s not a matter of asking, it’s a matter of expecting.
Macron’s stance is interesting because it’s a test. He’s looking to see what Trump’s made of, if he’s compromised by Putin, or if he’s just a useless pawn. It’s about exposing the real deal. This isn’t necessarily about a solution, more like a referendum on Trump himself. The real question is, how will Trump respond?
Now, here’s where things get a little…complicated. Trump’s playbook seems pretty predictable. Some believe he’ll offer Putin “two more weeks” to get his act together, or perhaps a more ludicrous option, like giving away territory in exchange for peace. It’s like he hasn’t even considered a real strategy. It’s safe to say, no one expects miracles. There’s a prevailing sentiment that his approach will be a combination of ineptitude, appeasement, and perhaps a full-blown endorsement of whatever Putin wants.
Some people are skeptical. They’re thinking he’ll just invite Putin over for a cozy chat. Or, perhaps, he’ll just keep kissing Putin’s… well, you get the idea. It’s not about taking a stand, it’s about furthering his own self-interests. It seems Trump’s not the kind of guy who’ll lose sleep over what happens in Ukraine. Instead, he will probably be more concerned with what he can gain from the situation.
Others see a more dangerous possibility. Some suspect the response will be a product of coercion, stemming from some potentially compromising photos or videos. This is a bleak vision, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility. This is what happens when you are dealing with a man who is a Russian asset.
Europe, on the other hand, should act as a united force. No more waiting around for America to save the day. Europe has the means, the resources, and, let’s face it, the direct stake in this conflict. If Putin refuses to meet Zelenskyy, this is the EU’s cue to step up with an “iron fist.” Why are they waiting for Trump to make the call when it’s happening in their backyard? This is something the French should respond to without waiting for America to save the day.
The situation puts a spotlight on the EU’s leadership. Why the hesitation? What’s holding them back from taking decisive action? Waiting for Trump to do something is a mistake. This dependency is pathetic, considering the consequences. It’s an embarrassment, as it absolves European leaders of their responsibility. It’s a shame to see European leaders acting like they have no power, stuck between America, Russia, and China.
It’s a stark reminder that the EU needs to stop relying on outside forces and take responsibility for its security and foreign policy. Let’s face it, waiting for “TACO” (Trump) is not a reliable plan. Europe really needs to step up.
And here’s a thought: forget about Trump’s input. If Putin refuses to meet with Zelenskyy, maybe Trump should just go golfing. Anything but the usual subservience. It might be the most productive thing he could do.
The bottom line is this: if Putin blows off a meeting with Zelenskyy, it’s a moment that demands a response. The expectation is on Trump, but what he’s likely to do is fall short. The real work? That falls on Europe to step up.