US President Donald Trump’s sudden shift in stance on Ukraine and Russia has left the international community reeling, with concerns growing that Washington may no longer be a reliable ally for European countries.
Three years into Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, fighting continues to rage along a vast frontline. Amidst this ongoing crisis, Mr. Trump has expressed his determination to negotiate a peace deal with Russia, but his actions have fueled fears among Ukrainian and European allies that he is not prioritizing their concerns.
The US president has already spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone, calling Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator”. He has also been pushing for Kyiv to sign away billions of dollars worth of its natural resources as a form of payback for past US military support. These moves have unsettled European capitals, which feel that Mr. Trump is abandoning his commitment to Ukraine’s security.
In recent days, top ministers from around the world met for an annual security conference in Munich, where tensions were at a record high. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy used his appearance to emphasize Kyiv’s position on White House plans for a peace deal with Russia – that no agreement can be made without Ukraine.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, European powers are scrambling to convince Mr. Trump to stand with Ukraine and against Russia. However, it remains uncertain whether he will heed advice from his counterparts or stick to his own vision of “peace through strength” on his own terms. This shift in stance raises concerns about the potential for more war, as Russian President Putin may seek to exploit any perceived weakness in Washington’s position.
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/the-rupture-in-diplomatic-norms-has-left-ukraine-and-europe-reeling-as-russias-invasion-reaches-three-year-mark-13316013