Europe is currently facing a critical moment as its unity is being tested by external pressures. As European Union leaders gear up for emergency talks to address the suspension of U.S. aid to Ukraine by the Trump administration, several Russia experts have expressed concerns about Moscow’s attempts to take advantage of the situation by creating divisions within the Western alliance.
The recent televised meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian leaders in the Oval Office sparked controversy and raised questions about the future of U.S. involvement in the ongoing conflict. In response, Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov accused Europe of prolonging the war and suggested that changes in U.S. foreign policies are in line with Moscow’s own interests.
These comments came just before the EU financial summit scheduled for Thursday, where leaders will discuss strategies for stabilizing continental security and providing support for Ukraine after years of relying on U.S. defense. This comes at a time when Europe is already facing internal challenges, such as the rise of the hard right, which often holds pro-Russian views.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently referred to President Trump as a “pragmatist” who prioritizes common sense, and accused Europe of being responsible for “all tragedies in the world” over the past 500 years. He also stated that the U.S. plays no role in fueling conflicts, shifting blame onto European powers such as Britain and France. This rhetoric of portraying Europe as the “number one enemy” has become a dominant trend in the Kremlin’s policy.
Some experts, like exiled Russian political analyst Dmitry Oreshkin, believe that this positive portrayal of the U.S. by Lavrov indicates a hope for further divisions between Europe and America. However, others, like Novaya Gazeta columnist Andrei Kolesnikov, argue that it is too early for Russian authorities to assume that Trump is taking Russia’s side in the conflict. Kolesnikov points out that Trump’s main interest is to end the conflict, and if the Russian side remains uncooperative in negotiations, it could lead to further sanctions and measures to reduce oil prices.
The recent Oval Office meeting, which ended without the expected signing of a defense deal involving Ukrainian rare-earth minerals, has added to the uncertainty and doubts about the reliability of the U.S. as a security partner. This has prompted EU and NATO leaders to gather in London on Sunday to discuss a path forward. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasized the need to unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace, while French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed a two-stage peace plan involving a one-month ceasefire followed by peacekeepers being sent to Ukraine.
Amidst this uncertain backdrop, the White House announced on Monday the temporary suspension of all U.S. military aid to Kyiv, although Trump stated in his address to Congress on Tuesday that Zelenskyy had shown renewed interest in signing the proposed defense deal. However, it was also reported by U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe that Trump had halted intelligence cooperation with Ukraine on Wednesday. This further adds to the unclear situation and raises questions about the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations.
While the U.S. has been the main ally of Ukraine in the ongoing conflict, it is important for Europe to step up and show its support as well. This is especially crucial as the EU is arguably at its weakest point, with a steady rise of the hard right and pro-Russian sentiments among some member states. As the leaders of the EU gather in Brussels on Thursday, they must address the important issue of military spending and whether to place more arms contracts with Ukraine’s defense industry. Additionally, they must also consider integrating Ukraine into the European industrial network.
It is no secret that the Trump administration has been strongly pressuring European allies to increase their military spending, demanding as much as 5% of GDP, well beyond the NATO benchmark of at least 2%. This comes at a time when seven European allies still fall short of even meeting the 2% target, while the U.S. itself only spends around 3.4% according to NATO figures. A Pentagon audit is also pending which could potentially reduce the U.S. military budget. This makes it all the more important for Europe to show its commitment to security and defense by increasing its military spending and supporting Ukraine.
In conclusion, the current situation in Europe is critical, with the Kremlin trying to exploit the fragile unity of the Western alliance. It is important for EU leaders to work
