In a recent press conference, Donald Trump sided with Vladimir Putin, blaming Ukraine for triggering Russia’s invasion and suggesting that the US was not defending European freedom as reliably as expected. This move has dealt a significant blow to Europe’s trust in its long-standing defense partner.
Trumps words disabused European democracies of their illusion that the US would always be there to protect them. Just days before, Trumps Defense Secretary stated plans to reduce US military presence in Europe, while his Vice President promoted pro-Putin far-right parties on the continent. The Ukrainian envoy also pushed a plan for elections that mirrored Kremlin thinking.
This revelation has made it clear that Trump is more aligned with Putin than with European democracies. Europe must now take matters into its own hands, as it can no longer rely on the US for defense or friendship. Adapting to this new reality will require significant effort from Europe, which has not shown willingness to act independently in decades.
Europe’s infantilization by the US has hindered its ability to think and act on its own behalf. It is time for Europe to start looking out for itself and developing its own defense strategies.
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/europe-putin-trump-ukraine-russia/681789