From the beginning of his second term, Donald Trump did not hide the fact that he dreamed of a spectacular agreement on the scale of the Yalta conference in 1945. Then the leaders of the USA, the USSR and Great Britain divided Europe into zones of influence, deciding the fate of millions of people without their participation. Today, Trump, following the example of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, is ready to make compromises on behalf of other countries - even if it means limiting Ukraine's autonomy or ignoring the interests of Central and Eastern Europe - says "NYT".
The American president clearly signals that he does not intend to defend Ukraine's territorial integrity at all costs, notes the American daily. In recent weeks, there have been reports of pressure to change the president in Kiev, restrictions on access to key military technologies and delays in arms deliveries. Although official American sources deny this information, the facts remain disturbing.
Strengthening relations with Russia and China
Contrary to previous declarations of a tough policy towards the Kremlin, Trump is tightening cooperation with Russia. The White House decided to purchase Russian diesel oil and refrained from imposing new sanctions. At the same time, diplomatic preparations are underway for a historic meeting of the leaders of the United States, Russia and China on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Community (APEC) summit, which will be held next month.
In this new configuration, China replaces the UK as one of the main players in global politics. The proposal to organize a tripartite conference to establish a new world order is causing concern among the US's European allies.
Europe is waking up from its lethargy
Recent years have seen a clear weakening of the United States' position on the Old Continent. Trump imposed aggressive tariffs on European products, threatened to annex Greenland, and announced a significant reduction in the American military presence in Europe. These actions not only undermined trust in the US, but also forced European countries to build their own defense potential on their own.
The war in Ukraine became a catalyst for change. Almost immediately after returning to the White House, Trump suspended American military aid to Kiev, limited financial support and negotiated new rules for purchasing military equipment with European partners. The weakening of NATO's obligations under Article 5 and the planned reduction of troops in Europe mean that the Old Continent must rely primarily on itself.
Changes in Washington's approach to the Russian-Ukrainian war forced Europe to accelerate actions for its own security. Germany has taken the lead in increasing defense spending, and the entire European Union is investing in the development of the arms industry and new military technologies. Thanks to this, Europe is becoming less and less dependent on American support and more and more assertive towards Washington.
At the same time, Ukraine, despite limited assistance from the US, does not intend to be a pawn in the game of great powers. President Volodymyr Zelensky is conducting intensive talks with European partners and representatives of the American administration, seeking security guarantees and support in the post-war reconstruction of the country.
Eight decades ago, the United States was the only nuclear power in the world, and its participation in the liberation of Europe from fascism meant that it also enjoyed universal trust and moral prestige - noted the author of the commentary. He added that in modern times, Trump has ruined America's reputation in Europe.
Putin seeks diplomatic victory
But Russia cannot celebrate the decisive victory that gave the Soviet Union the upper hand in 1945; on the contrary, it experienced something much closer to failure in Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin is trying to turn the impasse on the front into a diplomatic success. The Kremlin is signaling its readiness to talk with Trump and Xi Jinping during the APEC summit, hoping to negotiate favorable concessions. However, even if such a meeting takes place, the United States does not have the formal right to decide the fate of Ukraine and Europe without their participation, the daily notes.
