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Trump and Putin: Shocking turnaround in the Ukraine conflict!
Donald Trump praises Putin after phone call; European reactions show horror. EU plans sanctions despite US resistance.
Trump and Putin: Shocking turnaround in the Ukraine conflict!
On May 20, 2025, Donald Trump praised a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which caused horror in Europe. This revelation comes at a critical time as European leaders such as Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Keir Starmer are trying to persuade Trump to take a tougher stance towards Russia. But after a two-hour conversation with Putin, Trump abandoned his position and now described Russia as an “important trade and economic partner.”
As part of these changes, Trump is also calling on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to reach an agreement with Russia. However, Merz has stressed that Europe will increase pressure on Moscow through sanctions. Meanwhile, there are fears in the ranks of EU diplomats that the loss of Trump as a partner could also endanger NATO, which could lead to a serious upheaval in the transatlantic security architecture.
European reactions
Reactions to Trump's stance vary. The EU Foreign Minister has decided to comply with the 17th EU sanctions package against Russia, while preparations for another package affecting the energy and banking sectors are already in full swing. Uncertainty over support for EU countries close to Russia, such as Hungary, remains an issue that challenges EU unity. Trump, in turn, has announced that he will veto a US sanctions package and is vague about possible US sanctions.
In this context, European voices are warning about the consequences that Trump's agenda could have on geopolitical stability. The last 76 years of transatlantic security have been characterized by a strong commitment to a rules-based international order. Trump's actions, including undermining NATO's collective defense strategy, are increasing concerns about Europe's security. European leaders are trying to maintain ties with Trump to retain influence in negotiations with Putin while emphasizing the need to strengthen Ukraine independent of American support.
NATO and European defense
Since 2014, NATO has been faced with the challenge of ensuring credible deterrence and defense. This requires adjustments to military forces, command structures and decision-making processes. After the Cold War, the focus on crisis management has changed and it is crucial that NATO countries reform their military capabilities to adequately respond to threats from Russia.
Military mobility remains a key concern, although problems with civilian infrastructure and national agreements stand in the way of rapid troop deployments in the event of a crisis. Political bodies such as the North Atlantic Council are becoming increasingly important, and NATO's credibility depends heavily on its ability to ensure rapid response to threats.
The current geopolitical situation requires that European countries develop an independent security strategy to resolutely counter the challenges posed by Russia. Capitulating to Trump's agenda could lead to increased Russian dominance in Eastern Europe in the long term.