Trump is focused on the Iran war, leaving no time for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Europe has already stopped waiting for Trump to re-engage. While the Russia-Ukraine war has become a secondary issue in the White House West Wing, it remains a core concern in Europe. Trump now seems more intent on criticizing—or even penalizing—European nations than cooperating with them. On Wednesday, Trump attacked Merkel on social media and threatened to reduce U.S. military presence in three European countries. At the same time, he held a lengthy call with Putin and agreed to a temporary ceasefire without consulting Ukraine. In the past, any one of these actions would have triggered emergency meetings across European capitals. But today, few in Europe feel the sky is falling—because, in many ways, it already has. European leaders have begun adapting, including exploring the creation of a European defense alliance. Trump’s conduct has made European nations more aware than ever that they must accelerate their efforts to reduce dependence on the U.S. and achieve greater strategic autonomy. Meanwhile, the Iran war has bolstered Ukraine’s confidence and reinforced Europe’s resolve to support Ukraine. For the past year, Zelenskyy has been striving to win Trump’s backing, but he now appears to be shifting his approach—no longer urging the U.S. to continue supporting Ukraine, but instead considering how to keep fighting without American support. His statements about future U.S. involvement have grown more cautious, and he is now turning toward seeking Turkey’s mediation for the next round of Russia-Ukraine talks.
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Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864048746355721/
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