Hi everyone, and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Let me catch you up on the latest news quickly. Today, I want to focus on what is happening around the world.
On Saturday morning, while Donald Trump was posting rambling messages online about comedian and host Bill Maher, world leaders gathered in Munich were delivering a very different message. From Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the tone was unified and unmistakable. They are increasingly alarmed by what they view as an America stepping back from its global leadership role.
The contrast was striking. Trump was consumed by his latest petty grievances and online feuds at a moment when the international community was grappling with war, security, and the future of alliances. The United States has become an international joke. A dangerous one, at that. All thanks to Trump and his enablers.
Leaders in Munich were concerned about more important issues than if a comedian made jokes about them. They spoke about war, deterrence, sovereignty, and the future of the international order.
President Zelenskyy delivered one of the most direct rebukes. Addressing ongoing negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and Western allies, he warned against a peace framework that demands concessions from Ukraine while allowing Russia to avoid meaningful compromise.
“The Americans often return to the topic of concessions, and too often those concessions are discussed in the context only of Ukraine, not Russia,” Zelenskyy said. “Europe is practically not present at the table. And it’s a big mistake to my mind.”
Zelenskyy also rejected the notion that Ukraine should be pressured to surrender territory in the name of “peace.” Drawing a historical parallel, he invoked the dangers of appeasement.
“It would be an illusion to believe that this war can now be reliably ended by dividing Ukraine, just as it was an illusion to believe that sacrificing Czechoslovakia would save you from a great war,” he said.
He went further, noting that Russia has made no meaningful concessions during negotiations. “Honestly, sometimes it seems like the sides are talking about completely different things,” Zelenskyy said, describing talks in which Ukraine seeks genuine ceasefires while Russia continues to justify aggression.
Zelenskyy also addressed calls from Trump allies demanding elections in Ukraine despite ongoing missile attacks. He responded by highlighting the practical reality of conducting democratic processes under constant bombardment.
“We have missiles, our people under missiles. It’s not just land war. A lot of missiles. We’re under ballistic attacks,” Zelensky said.
When pressed about elections, he delivered a pointed retort. “We can also give ceasefire for Russians if they will do elections in Russia.”
His message was clear. Ukraine is fighting for survival and sovereignty, and decisions about its future should not be dictated by Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskyy also emphasized the strength of Ukraine’s military, describing it as the most capable force in Europe due to its combat experience.
“The Ukrainian army is the strongest army in Europe thanks to our heroes,” he said, adding that excluding Ukraine from NATO would be strategically unwise.
While Zelenskyy focused on the battlefield realities, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke about digital sovereignty and democratic resilience.
“Our digital sovereignty is our digital sovereignty,” she said. “What is forbidden offline is forbidden online.”
Her remarks came amid growing tension between European regulators and American big tech interests aligned with Trump allies, such as Elon Musk. Europe intends to enforce its laws and protect its democratic space, regardless of pressure from Washington or Silicon Valley.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi added another dimension to the global response. In a notable moment, he defended the importance of the United Nations.
“Without the UN, the world were to revert to the law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak,” Wang said.
That sentiment stood in direct contrast to statements from Trump’s allies questioning the relevance of multilateral institutions.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered perhaps the most consequential warning. He argued that Europe can no longer assume the United States will provide the security umbrella it once did.
“The road ahead is straight and it is clear we must build our hard power,” Starmer said. “We must be able to deter aggression and yes, if necessary, we must be ready to fight to do whatever it takes to protect our people, our values, and our way of life.”
He described Europe as a “sleeping giant” whose economic power far exceeds Russia’s but whose fragmented defense structure has limited its effectiveness.
“Europe is a sleeping giant. Our economies dwarf Russia’s more than ten times over,” Starmer said, while also noting the inefficiencies created by fragmented defense planning.
His remarks reflected a broader shift. European leaders are preparing for a future in which U.S. reliability can no longer be assumed.
Meanwhile, Wang Yi cautioned against actions that could escalate tensions in Asia, particularly around Taiwan, while signaling that China sees itself as prepared for geopolitical turbulence.
“History always moves forward despite twists and turns,” Wang said.
Against this backdrop, Trump’s online fixation on media personalities and cultural grievances looked all the more ridiculous.
The Munich discussions also unfolded alongside newly reported communications showing Steve Bannon’s interactions with Jeffrey Epstein in 2019. According to released Justice Department materials, Bannon messaged Epstein about efforts to undermine Pope Francis, whom he viewed as an obstacle to nationalist political movements.
These revelations add another layer to the broader story. At a time when the world is recalibrating alliances and preparing for an era of heightened geopolitical competition, the Trump political orbit continues to be shaped by figures whose actions raise serious questions about priorities and judgment, and who are actively trying to disrupt and overthrow liberal democracies around the world.
We’re going to continue to follow all the news both home and abroad. Enjoy your Valentine’s Day and keep checking back here, on YouTube, and on the MeidasTouch Podcast for more updates.
