The journey is not linear, and it is dreaded by most European leaders. But as the war in the Middle East escalated, Europe’s stance shifted. For most European leaders, whether explicitly or silently, Trump has gone from daddy (Rutte’s characterisation) to baddie (Sánchez’s view of the US president). Poland has refused to send Patriot air defence systems to the Middle East, citing the ongoing threat from Russia. Sánchez’s reaction on X, welcoming the conditional ceasefire but insisting on a lasting and just peace, does not diverge from those of other European leaders.

Source: The Guardian April 09, 2026 17:31 UTC