With the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin set to happen sometime in the near future concerning the Ukraine war, tensions in Europe have begun to rise once again. With concerns this time hinging on whether or not European leaders outside Ukraine and Russia will be allowed to attend said meeting. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy furthered his concerns by calling for the creation of a united European army.
Since the end of the second world war, Europe has largely fallen on the shoulders of the United States for protection and aid. However there has recently been an increase in movements and sentiments of moving away from relying on the U.S. so heavily. Zelenskyy has assured that this united army would not be a replacement for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), but a chance for Europe to commit to the defense of its continent just as much as the United States has. It is unclear if this idea has caught on with other leaders as the idea has been around multiple times with no luck before, however with the difference in the Trump administration many may be considering a change. Regardless, the sentiment against the U.S. is present within most leaders.
As the Trump administration lays the groundwork for a resolution to the multi-year conflict in Ukraine, European leaders have been trying to navigate the changing mood and purpose of the U.S. A strong surge of support for a united presence at this conflict has been seen not only within the affected parties of the conflict, but also of European leaders as a whole. One of these countries which has been working tirelessly to prevent another conquering force is Poland. Due to its history as a nation that’s been constantly stepped on by neighbors, it has been answering the plea to guard themselves against Russian expansionism. Even now, despite America’s coldness to the other European leaders, Poland’s foreign minister still calls out to the U.S. to remind them of their obligation and promise to support Ukraine until they are independent. Claiming that U.S.’s reputation and credibility hangs on their decision in this meeting and how they align themselves with the powers.
Zelenskyy sees this new stance for the U.S. as a moment of truth for the European powers, that this is the chance to unite and stand together against oppression, reflecting Zelenskyy and other leader’s viewpoints. It is clear that as the United States changes its viewpoint and relationship with many long-forged allies that these powers will seek help and strength elsewhere. Furthering this split, the Germans have taken offense as well to the U.S.’s foreign action in their politics. Recently, Vice President JD Vance openly criticized European governments and Germany’s republic for not upholding democracy correctly. This came after a perceived threat to free speech within European countries. Along with this, he has also met with the German political party Alternative for Germany (AFD), which is the far-right party gaining traction in German politics.
Both of these actions have deeply upset the long-term ally of the U.S. With these strained relations, Germany is looking towards its neighbors for strength. It is hard to say if Zelenskyy’s idea of a united European army will come to fruition. However, with relations being tested with the U.S, if the conclusion the U.S. and Putin reach on the war is not accepted, a shift in power and allegiances could happen. It is clear that most powers still want to maintain hope in American justice and fairness, but hope can only hold out for so long.
