Europe is facing its greatest challenge since World War II as it tries to stand up to both the US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two strongmen have been making aggressive moves, with Trump threatening tariffs against European countries that charge higher trade levies than the US, while Putin has been pushing for a deal on Ukraine that would leave Kyiv vulnerable.
Europe’s ability to withstand this pressure depends on money, determination, and political unity. But it’s weak and divided, which makes it hard to stand up to the US and Russia at the same time.
The situation is dire: Trump called Putin before phoning Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, while US envoy Keith Kellogg made clear that America sees no role for Europe in the peace talks. This could lead to a deal that amounts to capitulation by Kyiv and presents it as a fait accompli.
To stop this from happening, Europe must prioritize stopping Trump from selling Ukraine down the river. The best bet is for European countries and Kyiv to agree on providing lion’s share of security support if there is a ceasefire pact. However, there are two obvious difficulties: many troops are scarce, and Putin will say “no”.
A fallback plan is needed in case Trump tries to impose an unacceptable deal. Europe’s least bad bet would be to step up military and defense spending to counter Russia’s aggression.
Another hurdle is the cost of such a buildup, estimated at $2.1 trillion over the next decade. However, if Ukraine loses the war, European countries will need to act with speed and ambition as they could be Russia’s next target.
In this crisis, Europe must put aside its differences and come together to defend itself. The rise of right-wing nationalist parties makes it hard, but Trump may have given Europe a wake-up call to pull itself together.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/breakingviews/ukraine-peace-talks-are-europes-moment-truth-2025-02-17