The basic task off government... "is to sustain the alliance, and support Ukraine, while continuing with the long-term shift of accepting more responsibility for the security of their own continent."

"However, tempting and satisfying it can be to provide a damming critique of Trump’s policy, that is a role for commentators and not governments."

EU leaders must develop policy and drive cohesion equal to the EU's values. Statements such as that of EU Council President Antonio Costa, should be the lowest benchmark.

European leaders should find no surprises...while reiterating the desperate need to coherently communicate need through next steps to the broader EU domestic audience and consequences of required actions and unacceptable inaction.