U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently met with an eye on a ceasefire in the war with Russia but the talks imploded. The signing of an agreement concerning Ukraine's mineral resource development, which the U.S. had positioned as a condition for continued support, was also put off.

This situation only benefits Russia. The first step is for both parties to calm down and continue their talks.

At the start of the meeting at the White House, with the media present, the U.S. side highlighted the Trump administration's diplomatic efforts. Zelenskyy then pointed out that the Vladimir Putin administration had broken a ceasefire agreement that Ukraine signed and asked, "What kind of diplomacy ... are you speaking about?" Trump and his team fired back, criticizing Zelenskyy as "disrespectful" and a heated argument ensued.

Trump then told Zelenskyy that Ukraine could not win without the U.S. support, and repeatedly stated Zelenskyy was "gambling with World War III." Even after the meeting moved to closed-door talks, the confrontation did not subside, and Washington reportedly terminated the discussions. The emotional conflict undoubtedly created a deep rift between the two countries.

At the root of the problem is Trump's pro-Russia stance. He has previously stated that "Putin respects me" and baselessly claimed that if a ceasefire is agreed upon, there would be no further invasions.

However, it is Russia that violated international law by invading a neighboring country. It is natural for Ukraine to view Trump with suspicion when he lacks this perspective.

Trump also warned Zelenskyy, "You don't have the cards," as if to lay down the threat that there is no alternative but to follow the U.S., which continues to provide military support.

Russia has welcomed the breakdown of the talks, which exposes the precariousness of negotiations led by Trump. Ukraine, however, has a cause appealing to the international community, namely the "rule of law." Major European countries successively expressed solidarity with Ukraine and came to its defense.

There are concerns that the U.S. might cut off support and move forward with negotiations with Russia, leaving Ukraine behind. In such a scenario, the "fair and lasting peace" desired by the international community would become more distant.

After the talks, Trump told reporters that he was "looking for peace." If that is the case, it is essential to urgently restore the damaged trust.

To repair relations between the two countries, Europe needs to act as a mediator and facilitate dialogue.