Experts suggest that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could benefit from a flattering approach in his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump, particularly following Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Professor Dag Blanck, a specialist in North American studies, believes that Trump might be more receptive to messages presented in a way that appeals to his ego.

The Putin-Trump meeting in Alaska generated considerable discussion, with many analysts deeming Putin the victor, especially for his success in normalizing relations between major powers on American soil. Blanck characterizes Trump as "insufficiently prepared" for the meeting, confusing "the art of the deal" with "the art of the photo opportunity." He added, "As far as is known, the meeting yielded nothing, but for Trump, it seemed important just to be present, be the center of attention, and stand next to Putin. He may not understand it, but Putin has a long-term agenda and knows exactly what he wants, while Trump confuses substance with appearance."

These recommendations come as Zelenskyy prepares to meet Trump, with Trump's approach expected to be unpredictable. Blanck notes that Trump's mood could significantly influence his support for Ukraine, warning that the meeting could be "catastrophic" if Trump is not in a good frame of mind. He further added, "I don't think anything can be said in advance, and I don't want to speculate on what he will demand of Zelenskyy," describing the Alaska meeting as "very unprepared" compared to usual encounters.

Regional Perspective

While the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska focused on great power dynamics, the upcoming meeting with Zelenskyy holds particular significance for Ukraine and Eastern European nations. There are concerns about Trump's ability to grasp the strategic dimensions of the Ukrainian conflict and its implications for European security. The experts' suggestion to use "flattery" indicates a deep understanding of Trump's psychology, which could be crucial in securing US support for Ukraine at this critical juncture.

Analysis

Professor Kjell Engelbrekt, a specialist in security policy, emphasizes the importance of "damage limitation" and the "need for European leaders' support" following the Alaska meeting. He points out that mobilizing European support for Zelenskyy, including the presence of leaders such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is a wise move. Engelbrekt believes that European leaders can help Trump understand the significance of Ukraine for Europe, something he seems to currently lack. There is also a degree of consternation in the US over Trump's apparent desire to please Putin, which could present an opportunity for "damage limitation" through these joint efforts.

Historically, previous meetings between Trump and Zelenskyy have been fraught with tension, including Trump's accusations of Zelenskyy being responsible for the war. This new strategy aims to avoid repeating such confrontations, focusing instead on building a more positive rapport. However, Trump's unpredictable nature makes it difficult to forecast the success of this strategy, especially as Putin's proposals for territorial concessions from Ukraine have placed additional pressure on negotiations.