President Donald Trump's quickfire approach to ending Russia's war against Ukraine

has left European allies worried that they're being brutally sidelined by the US administration

as Washington and Moscow conduct direct talks and the White House says a conclusion could be

reached in a matter of weeks.

It's also caused a crisis in European capitals about the future of NATO, created in the wake

of World War II to uphold security on the continent and protect it from a Russian threat.

Now it's America that looks like it's turning its back on NATO and Europe

in search of a grand bargain with Moscow. This week has effectively seen competitive talks,

a Russia-U.S. meeting of high-level officials in Saudi Arabia and an emergency summit of

European powers in Paris.

What happens next?

Welcome to PowerPlay Politico's weekly podcast,

where I talk to some of the voices shaping transatlantic relationships at a particularly consequential time for America's dealings with Europe, Russia, and of course,

an embattled Ukraine. I'm Anne McHelvoy. If you haven't already, please follow the podcast.

My guest this week is John Bolton, American diplomat, who served as a US national security

advisor under Donald Trump from April 2018 to September of the following year.

He's also held positions in previous Republican administrations, including as ambassador

to the United Nations under President George W. Bush.

Joining me later will be San Amaran who served as Finland's Prime Minister until 2023 and led the country

to its NATO accession. I recorded a conversation with her and with Jennifer Wilton, the editor-in-chief

of Die Welt at the Munich Security Conference. So do hang around for that. But first, John Bolton,

welcome to Power Play.

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