TRUMP MAY HAVE ACCOMPLISHED WHAT EUROPE COULD NOT—UNITED IT BEHIND UKRAINE
Donald Trump’s shift toward Russia may have produced precisely the opposite result from what Moscow expected: Europe is closing ranks around Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said there has never been such a unified position among practically all EU countries. Even governments traditionally less supportive of Ukraine—or more vulnerable to pressure from Vladimir Putin—recognize that the coming months may determine not only Ukraine’s future, but Europe’s own security.
“Everyone was aware that, with this shift in President Trump’s position on Ukraine and Russia, Europe should support Ukraine even more,” Tusk said.
This is no longer being presented as symbolic solidarity or affection for Ukraine. European governments increasingly understand that Ukraine is holding back a threat that will not disappear if Kyiv is abandoned.
“Many countries realize that if Ukraine falls, we will all have very, very serious problems,” Tusk warned.
For years, European leaders struggled to maintain unity over weapons, sanctions and the cost of supporting Ukraine. Trump’s growing alignment with Moscow may have suddenly made the danger impossible to ignore.
By attempting to pressure and isolate Ukraine, Trump may have unintentionally reminded Europe that it can no longer build its security around uncertain promises from Washington. The result could be a stronger European coalition, greater military independence and even deeper support for Kyiv.
Putin wanted Ukraine divided from its allies. Instead, the prospect of an American retreat may finally be giving Europe one clear goal: Ukraine must not fall.