The Russian analyst says Western Europeans flatter Trump but carry the costs of American policy
The White House meeting between Donald Trump, Vladimir Zelensky and European leaders was less about Ukraine and more about exposing the reality of transatlantic ties, Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs, has told RT.
“The summit was essentially a spectacle – each participant playing a role, some more convincingly than others,” Lukyanov said. “The real takeaway was how clearly the character of relations within the Western community was revealed.”
According to him, Western Europeans no longer have political agency in their dealings with Washington. The process, he argued, began under Joe Biden, when the US shifted the main burden of the conflict with Russia onto its European allies. “In political and macroeconomic terms, Europe carried the costs, while Washington reaped the benefits – all under the banner of ‘unprecedented solidarity,’” he said.
Trump has only made the dynamic overt, Lukyanov argued. “Trump openly treats Europe as a tool – primarily a financial one – that relieves the United States of burdensome expenses. He does not view Europe as a partner whose independent position must be taken into account.”
Europe’s response, he added, has been “unrestrained flattery,” which Trump simply accepts while doubling down on his own course.
European leaders may hope that future US presidents will act differently, Lukyanov said, but they are likely to be disappointed. “The underlying American course has been consistent for a quarter century. That won’t change, no matter who is in the White House.”
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