Russia-Ukraine War Divides Europe

What happened between the United States (US) President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Oval Office was not a mere shouting match between the two leaders. The acrimonious conversation that went on between the two leaders reveals as to how much the Russia-Ukraine war has affected the politics across the Atlantic. The tone and tenor of President Trump alleging that Zelensky is not allowing the war to end with his stance by derailing the peace initiatives with Russia. Zelensky, though, has said that peace is not possible without Washington’s help. But at the same time he added to the rider that a ceasefire is not possible and will not be effective without the safeguards for Ukrainian safety. In the same tone he added that Ukraine needed the US help to fight Russia’s mighty military strength. It is now an open secret that the shouting match between the two leaders revealed that President Trump wants Ukraine to end the war with Russia as the US has already pumped a heavy amount of men, materials and weaponry in this war to support Ukraine. And it has put a tremendous pressure on the US exchequer. Trump seems to be in no mood to do this further. On the other hand the various European nations are taking positions that clearly show division among them. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen who was in India on Friday has written on social media site X that Zelensky is not alone in this war and the crisis that has emerged out of it and expressed her solidarity with him for a just and lasting peace. Majority of the European leaders are not showing their concern directly after this development but they are articulating their policy statements in terms of the harsh tone , verbal war and tariff threats issued by President Trump from the day he assumed his Presidentship for the second time. Another factor that has made the European nations quite apprehensive is that the US did not invite Ukraine and the other European nations to talks that it had with Russia on 18th February.Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has also shown his support towards Zelensky.On the other hand Friedrich Merz who is likely to be the next Chancellor of Germany has said that the aggressor must not be confused with the victim in this war.French President Emmanuel Macron is also on the same page. Even the United Kingdom (UK) has sided with Ukraine after this verbal acrimony that took place in the Oval Office.UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has affirmed his commitment by saying that his country will stand with Ukraine as long as necessary to deter the Russian aggression. At the same time the other European nations like Hungary have stood with the US as its President Viktor Orban has said that,” I am convinced that the European Union – following the example of the United States – should enter into direct discussions with Russia on a ceasefire and sustainable peace in Ukraine.” This makes it clear that there is a situation that can lead to new permutations and combinations having a global impact when it comes to the Russia-Ukraine war. What will unfold is not clear.But one thing is clear that the Trump 2.0 regime will surely change the rules of the global strategic game.