With U.S. support wavering, Europe may soon bear primary responsibility for backing Ukraine. As Trump signals a shift, EU aid has already surpassed U.S. contributions. To offset a full U.S. pullback, Europe must boost funding and invest in Ukraine’s defense industry. The coming NATO summit will test Europe’s resolve.
In early 2025, President Trump prioritized a negotiated peace between Ukraine and Russia, proposing a 30-day interim ceasefire as a step toward broader conflict resolution. The U.S. approach, emphasizing “difficult compromises,” has raised concerns among European allies for appearing to favor Russian demands, including territorial concessions and abandonment of Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. While the U.S. and Russia resumed direct talks—excluding Ukraine and EU members—criticism mounted over policy shifts such as the suspension of military aid, easing of sanctions, and withdrawal from war crimes investigations. As fragile negotiations continue, the outcome may reshape both the Ukraine conflict and transatlantic alliances.
The U.S. is set to spend $1.7 trillion over 30 years on nuclear modernization, a move that risks accelerating a global arms race without enhancing national security. Instead of pursuing nuclear supremacy, policymakers should prioritize deterrence-first strategies, focusing on secure second-strike submarine capabilities and rejecting costly, unnecessary tactical nuclear weapons. The Sentinel ICBM program, already over budget and delayed, warrants serious scrutiny.
Ending the Russia-Ukraine war will be challenging and will require a mix of incentives to bring both sides to the negotiating table. Even if a cease-fire is reached, its durability remains uncertain. Ukraine must ensure that any agreement does not allow Russia to regroup and launch future attacks.
These domestic issues, according to Zygar, serve to weaken U.S. global standing, aligning with Putin’s strategic interests.
