Did ‘Vatican diplomacy’ change Trump’s mind on Ukraine? I’m sceptical for three reasons | Orysia Lutsevych

The most recent diplomatic effort to find a way to stop Russia ’s invasion of Ukraine took place at the funeral of Pope Francis .

The image of Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump leaning toward each other rekindled hopes that the US might, at last, hear Kyiv out.

But this will be an uphill battle Europe and Kyiv are trying to fight their way to Trump 's ear.

Orysia Lutsevych is deputy director of the Russia and Eurasia programme and head of the Ukraine forum at Chatham House .

While the talks continue, Europe must prepare for its standoff with Russia alone.

Those talks may buy time, but they will not replace the urgent need for credible investment in defence.