The Economist published a cover with Putin and Trump at the head of the table

British magazine The Economist published a Feb. 20 cover story with Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump at the head of the table, writing that this week has been "the darkest week yet" for Europe.

"Under Donald Trump, America can no longer be counted on to come to Europe's aid in times of conflict. The consequences for the security of Europe are serious, but they have yet to be realized by the leaders and peoples of the continent," the piece says.

The magazine notes that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance in his speech at the Munich Security Conference ridiculed Europe, and also recalled that European representatives were not invited to the talks between Russia and the United States in Saudi Arabia. However, Europe's problems "go far beyond insults and diplomatic nuances," the magazine writes.

"It (Europe. - Ed.) is trapped in the outdated worldview of multilateral treaties and common values," the material emphasizes.

February 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with his American counterpart Donald Trump. According to the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the leaders of the two countries discussed many topics, including the exchange of citizens of Russia and the United States, the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict and the situation in the Middle East.

Later on February 18, talks were held between Russian and US delegations at one of the royal family's palaces in Riyadh. Putin and US President Donald Trump praised the results of the meeting. The Russian leader emphasized that he wished to meet with his American counterpart.