Relations between Washington and Europe are strained following a diplomatic fallout between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as Vice President JD Vance. European leaders have supported Zelenskyy in rebuke of Trump, who criticized the Ukrainian president for defending his country against Russia. Many European figures praised Zelenskyy’s dignity and bravery, while some defended Trump’s stance for peace. The conflict in Ukraine is seen as part of a larger hybrid war that extends to cyberattacks on Western democracies, and there are concerns about Russia expanding its assault if given a symbolic win in Ukraine.
European leaders have expressed a desire to strengthen Europe’s independence from the U.S., with German leader Friedrich Merz stating the importance of European defense capabilities separate from NATO. Balancing the challenge of achieving military independence while maintaining cooperation with the U.S. poses uncertainties and significant financial costs. The U.S. military has played a pivotal role in European security since World War II, and untangling this relationship would require substantial investment and reorganization.
European leaders are moving towards creating a united front for increased military autonomy, recognizing the changing dynamics in transatlantic relations. The shift towards greater European independence is driven by a perceived shift in American foreign policy under the Trump administration, which prioritizes global power competition over shared values and interests. The establishment of a European “war cabinet” would be crucial in organizing efforts to strengthen autonomy and respond to geopolitical challenges, particularly in the context of ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Russia.
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