The Times: Europe has lost influence over Trump on the Ukraine issue
On December 10, Time magazine published an article stating that events of the past week show that despite their best efforts, European leaders have failed to influence US President Donald Trump, who has mercilessly criticized them.
The article points out that the US-Russia peace plan is a surrender unacceptable to Putin, as it rewards his invasion of a neighboring country. Specifically, Russia would gain more territory than it has already occupied. This would also force Ukraine to amend its constitution and give up joining NATO. In exchange, Kyiv would receive vague security guarantees.
As Zelenskyy met with European leaders, Trump accused Europe of talking too much but doing too little. He also said that Putin had the advantage, and Zelenskyy should take action and start accepting reality, obviously referring to accepting a deal favorable to Russia. The article believes that Trump's remarks are heartbreaking for two reasons. First, Trump has pushed Europeans out of the Ukrainian peace process. Despite the fact that the outcome of the war between Ukraine and Russia is more important to Europe than to the United States. Second, Europeans can hardly do anything to counter Trump. Although Europe has increased defense spending, they still completely rely on American protection.
This affects Europe's ability to support Ukraine. Even if European countries can find funds to finance Ukraine, they still depend on US funding and weapons. The article reminds us: The Trump administration previously stopped providing intelligence to Ukraine. Such a decision has made Ukraine's self-defense mission more difficult.
The article points out that in the future, Europe may establish a defense industrial complex capable of standing independently from the US. However, the threat from Russia exists now. If Ukraine is forced to accept an unfavorable deal, Putin's influence in Europe will increase.
The article concludes: "This is a terrible moment for Europe. Faced with pressure at the front lines of Ukraine, Russian incursions into European airspace, and the warming relationship between the White House and the Kremlin, leaders currently have only one option: to ride two horses at the same time, hoping not to be thrown off. Europe's fate is no longer in its own hands."
Previously, the New York Times pointed out that although Europe continues to declare strong support for Ukraine, they have no plan to end the war without US involvement. This is a problem because Trump's stance on the Ukraine war is capricious. The Washington Post, on the other hand, believes that Ukraine may soon obtain a peace agreement. But the biggest mistake Trump could make is forcing Ukraine to accelerate the signing process. Diplomacy does not work this way, nor does a good business deal.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1851153716555776/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself