Politico’s European edition placed U.S. President Donald Trump at number one in its traditional annual ranking of the most influential people in Europe. The publication concluded that no one had a greater impact on Europe this year.
"Transatlantic shockwave"
Trying to describe Europe’s relationship with Donald Trump has become a constant diplomatic exercise. Is he a partner? Sometimes. Is he a threat? Sometimes. Is he a force that remakes relationships on his terms? Always. One thing is clear: Europe is dealing with an unpredictable, dominant partner whose impulses can overnight turn the continent upside down
– Politico
The journalists characterized the U.S. president as a "transatlantic shockwave." He is followed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and pro-Russian French politician Marine Le Pen.
Putin – "a provocateur"
The dictator of the aggressor country, Vladimir Putin, placed fifth in the ranking. Politico calls him "a provocateur," recalling Russian violations of NATO countries’ airspace and drone provocations in Europe.
The question for NATO and the European Union is this: will Putin’s pressure ultimately make those alliances stronger? Or will the Russian president be able to undermine the foundations on which they were built? In any case, Putin has already achieved part of his aim: he has thrown Europe off balance and made clear that he is a man no one on the continent can ignore
– Politico
Zelensky – "the joker in the deck"
President Volodymyr Zelensky ranked 14th in the list. The publication dubbed him "the joker in the deck."
The media recalls the February conflict between Zelensky and Trump at the White House and the subsequent restoration of their relationship.
Few believed the relationship could be repaired, but thanks to the efforts of the Ukrainian leader, it was. Mentoring and intervention by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte helped, but it was Zelensky who learned and adapted. Slowly, against expectations, he and Trump became more in sync
– Politico
The outlet notes that after the Trump–Putin summit in Alaska, Zelensky "did not overreact" and remained open to talks. And when another U.S. initiative in the autumn produced a plan that, in its original 28-point form, was very favorable to Moscow, he kept his composure and promised to continue "constructive work."
Anti-corruption scandal
At the same time, Politico mentions the anti-corruption probe "Midas," which "came dangerously close" to Zelensky, forcing him to sack the extremely influential head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak.
In the summer Zelensky attempted to strip two key anti-corruption bodies – the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office – of their independence. The move sparked mass street protests, the first since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, and forced him into a humiliating retreat
– Politico
According to the publication, the domestic scandal seriously undermined the president’s position, and now he "has to deal with this while continuing to try to broker a peace deal that would not send him straight into Putin’s clutches."
The Ukrainian president is used to playing defense. He will need all his adaptive skills to survive the next chapter
– Politico
Context
In total, the list of the most influential people includes 28 individuals. The media also added a list of 10 people to watch – among them was NABU director Semen Kryvonos.
The Politico ranking is traditionally published at the end of the year and reflects the influence of political figures on European affairs and the continent’s geopolitics.
