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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 26982, member: 2262"] The Ukraine crisis shows growing splits between America and Europe since Donald Trump returned as president. His approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict differs greatly from European leaders, creating new problems for governments across the Atlantic. These differences highlight major strategic gaps between longtime allies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Trump in Washington before flying to London, where UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed him warmly. Starmer signed a defense loan worth 2.26 billion pounds to help Ukraine. He stated Ukraine has full support throughout Britain and emphasized their strong determination to achieve lasting peace. French and German officials shared similar support messages. The distance between America and Europe became clear when Trump excluded European nations, including Ukraine, from peace talks with Russia last month. This move surprised many traditional allies who expected to participate in these important discussions. European leaders felt sidelined during negotiations that directly affected their security interests. Zhao Huirong from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences explained that Trump wants quick results and economic benefits with minimal American commitments. She said Trump aims to freeze the conflict rapidly to gain access to Ukraine's mineral wealth, especially rare earth elements. Trump believes America can force both Ukraine and Europe to accept his conditions. During their White House meeting, Trump and Zelenskyy had a tense exchange that led to the cancellation of their planned press conference. The expected mineral agreement remained unsigned after their discussions. Beyond military aid issues, Trump demands European countries pay more for defense costs and threatens additional trade tariffs against European goods. These actions damage trust between America and Europe and weaken NATO, raising questions about the future of Western partnerships. Many European officials worry about American reliability as a security partner going forward. They see Trump's approach as fundamentally different from previous administrations. European leaders increasingly call for strategic independence due to American isolationist trends. A survey by CGTN and Renmin University found that 57 percent of people from G7 countries doubt future relations with America will improve. German and Canadian respondents showed the highest concern levels, followed by Japan, Britain, and France. Germany's incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, warned that Europe must strengthen its defenses and possibly consider NATO alternatives if America continues neglecting European security concerns. He stated that making Europe independent from America step by step remains his absolute priority. French President Emmanuel Macron similarly declared that Europe cannot stay an American vassal. Macron visited Washington hoping to secure Trump's commitment to Ukrainian security guarantees but left without clear promises. Since mineral agreement talks began, Zelenskyy repeatedly stressed any deal must include security protections. Trump rejected this idea during a cabinet meeting, saying Europe should handle that responsibility instead. Zhao noted that Ukraine ultimately wants NATO membership as its security guarantee, but Western allies hesitate, fearing direct Russian confrontation. Trump refuses such commitments and pushes Europe to take greater responsibility. Ukraine has lowered expectations and seeks military aid rather than full membership, including training, weapons supply, and local arms production. According to the Kiel Institute, between January 2022 and December 2024, Europe committed $138.7 billion to Ukraine compared to $119.7 billion from America. Zhao pointed out that America played a crucial role in providing military support, and Europe would struggle to make up for any American withdrawal. She predicted Russia and Ukraine might reach a truce within six months to a year under continued American pressure. Such a ceasefire probably would not lead to permanent peace since territorial disputes would remain unresolved. After any temporary agreement, both Russia and Ukraine likely would maintain different views about territorial boundaries. The underlying conflicts would continue despite any pause in active fighting. [/QUOTE]

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