Where the US president sees a convivial leader an ocean away, Europeans see a tyrant on its borders breaking all agreementsIn the Four Quartets TS Eliot wrote “humankind cannot bear very much reality”.At moments in history like these, when there is simply too much head-spinning change and too many postwar assumptions being ripped from their moorings, it sometimes appears too much for any human to absorb, let alone offer a response. Continue reading...
Europe is increasingly losing hope that Donald Trump can be persuaded to maintain US support for Ukraine, as Trump's approach to the conflict and relations with Russia diverges sharply from European priorities. Trump's decision to cut US military aid to Ukraine has strained transatlantic alliances, with European leaders like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer struggling to retain US involvement in Ukraine's defense. Trump's focus on economic stakes in Ukraine's resources and his personal ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin contrast with Europe's view of Russia as a threat to its security. The situation highlights a fundamental divide: Trump seeks a ceasefire and a deal with Russia, while Europe fears this would subjugate Ukraine and weaken collective security. European leaders, including Starmer, continue to urge Trump to reconsider, but their influence appears limited, raising questions about Europe's ability to act independently if US support wanes.
