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Trans-Atlantic tensions have soared in the last few days because of a call between President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, with Trump essentially blaming the war in Ukraine on Ukraine.
The unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in 2022 escalated tensions between the west and Russia. Since then, Europe has seen American relations as of the utmost importance, and the United States has returned its focus somewhat to the security of European states. However, with the return of Donald Trump into office, the relationship between European states and the US will change dramatically.
We can already see the shift when a few days ago, Donald Trump called Putin to discuss “Ukraine, the Middle East, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, the power of the Dollar,” according to CNN. Historically, Trump has been reluctant to see Europe as a key focus of his diplomacy, and believes those countries take advantage of the United States. For example, under Trump’s direction, congress has been increasingly hesitant to send aid to Ukraine. Additionally, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, “JD Vance took the stage in Paris to denounce European technology regulations, while Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth clearly outlined that the United States would prioritize Asia and create a ‘division of labor’ where Europe takes ‘responsibility for its own security.” The switch to hostility from the US to Europe does not bode well for Europe's defense or economic strategy.
President’s Trump’s bid to annex Greenland also raised fundamental concerns between NATO allies. The disregard of sovereignty is a clear threat to relations between European states and the US. Additionally, Europe might finally be on its own when it comes to defense spending. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, “As much as U.S. administrations have complained about the lack of European defense spending and Europe’s limited defense capabilities, the United States has not supported Europe working to organize itself militarily without the United States (this has particularly been the case since the end of the Cold War, when the United States aggressively opposed such self-organization).”
In the current administration, the absolute animosity of the United States towards the EU. Trump’s reduction strategy may include withdrawing U.S. force presence in Europe, with some reports of 20,000 forces being withdrawn. If Trump follows through on his threats, Europe will have to take significant steps to bolster their individual militaries to protect Ukraine and protect themselves from other threats.
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