Trump’s turn against Zelenski: How much is Ukraine weakens against Russia?

Trump’s criticisms of Zelenski have aroused fears of a distancing from Washington with respect to Ukraine, a country that depends on the military and financial support of the United States to resist Russian invasion. Trump’s statement that Russia “has all the letters” in the negotiations suggests a more conciliatory approach with Moscow and weakens kyiv’s diplomatic position.

“Trump is taking a radical turn in the position of the United States, which until now was Pro-Ukraine, European Pro-Union, pro-oan and marked a political distance with Vladimir Putin. What he is doing is a change of almost 180 degrees when looking for an approach with Putin“, Said Ramiro Escobar, an international analyst, consulted by Commerce. “But it is not only a change in the bilateral relationship, but an attempt to configure a new world order, in which Russia and the United States agree to maintain their areas of influence, similar to the cold war“.

The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, gives a press conference in kyiv on February 19, 2025. (Photo by Tetiana Dzhafarova / AFP).

/ Tetiana dzhafarova

Europe and the destination of Ukraine

The European Union He responded firmly, defending Zelenski’s democratic legitimacy. “Ukraine is a democracy, the Russia of Putin no,” said a spokesman for the European Commission, emphasizing that any solution to the conflict must include Ukraine and the EU.

Today’s meeting in Kiev between Zelenski and Trump’s envoy, Keith Kelloghe concluded without joint statements, reflecting the tension between the two countries after the words of the US president.

Trump’s position has generated uncertainty about the future of the conflict. The perception that the United States could adopt a more neutral or even favorable position to Russia has lit alarms in Europe.

“This new global order seems not only to the United States and Russia, but also China as a third key actor. Although China is aligned with Russia, it maintains its autonomy focused on geoeconomy, prioritizing businesses without getting involved in war conflicts”The analyst said. “This scenario stabilizes the global situation, but it can also generate commercial tensions between the United States and China.”

Initially, Ukraine was not considered in the conversations, although its inclusion was then announced. However, the scenario that is glimpsed is that of an agreement led by the two powers.

This leaves Ukraine in a disadvantageous position, without maneuvering margin. In addition, the European Union is somewhat marginalized in the process, although it is rearranging cautiously.

As for the destination of Ukraine, Escobar believes that “Most likely, an end of the war will be achieved soon, but under unfavorable terms for Ukraine. Zelenski will be pressed to accept the final loss of Crimea and a part of Donbás, the area in conflict with Russia ”.

Putin empowered

The turn in American politics directly benefits Moscow. The Kremlin celebrated convergence with the Trump administration and highlighted his intention to resume dialogue with Washington “in all the parameters” of the conflict.

Trump’s position, seen as an implicit recognition of Russia’s negotiating power, strengthens the position of Vladimir Putin in the peace conversations and in the global geopolitical scene. In Moscow, it is perceived that Washington’s new approach could lead to a fire in favorable terms to Kremlin, without the security guarantees required by kyiv.

“Putin is strengthened because he now has a Trump interlocutor who shares a similar vision of power: vertical, personalist and authoritarian. This ideological affinity is also shared by European leaders such as Giorgia Meloni and Viktor Orbán, which fragments Europe’s response against Russia”The analyst warned.

Ultimately, it seems that Russia and the United States, as nuclear powers, seek to reorganize the global geopolitical board. “Although the end of the war would be a relief for those who suffer from the conflict, this scenario implies risks to the international order, since the ‘peace of the strongest”, “Escobar reflects.

The United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, at a meeting of Defense Ministers at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, on February 13, 2025.

/ Simon Wohlfahrt

Given

New authoritarian order

In the global panorama, Ideological affinity is no longer defined by the traditional left or right categoriesbut for a conservative and antiprogressive vision Shared by Trump, Putin and several European leaders. This New authoritarian order It is characterized by leadership vertical and personalistwhich defies Western democratic values. “A kind of ‘Antiprogresista tribe’opposed to expanded human rights, gender equality and climatic policies, “said international analyst Ramiro Escobar.

It is ideological front find echo in European leaders as Giorgia Meloni, Víktor orbán y Marine Le Penwho share conservative positions in social and cultural issues. According to the analyst, This authoritarian convergence transcends national bordersunifying their actors in a transnational coalition which challenges the liberal order established in the West.

Panorama still uncertain

Trump’s statement has caused a wave of international reactions. The European Union reaffirmed its support for Ukraine, while several European leaders, including the president of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchezand the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der LeyenThey announced visits to kyiv in the next few days to show their solidarity.

France and the United Kingdom, meanwhile, have considered the creation of a European peace force, in anticipation of a possible withdrawal from US support. This force, of a deterrent, would focus on protecting the air and maritime security of Ukraine.

“Europe is trying to recover its influence on the conflict, especially with Macron’s visit to Washington. However, it faces an internal challenge due to the presence of pro-trump leaders within its bosom. This fragmentation hinders a unified response of the European Union to Russia”The analyst said.

Trump’s turn has left Ukraine in an uncertain diplomatic position. kyiv’s dependence on the United States military support and the possibility of a more conciliatory approach with Russia generate concern in Europe.

Zelenski’s weakening on the international stage and Putin’s empowerment emerge a complex panorama for the future of the conflict. The visit of European leaders to kyiv and the next diplomatic meetings in Washington will be decisive to define the course of war.

Europa

How is NATO?

“Some analysts predict the end of NATO, but I don’t think that happens yet. However, the relationship between the United States and Europe is broken, although it does not break. It has cracked, but it has not reached a point of total breakup , the internationalist commented to this newspaper.

For him, the worrying thing is that the global rearrangement promoted by Trump, Putin and Xi Jinping seems to point to a long -term change, something that does not take into account an important factor: the elections.

This new global order could be consolidated if current political trends continue, although there are factors of uncertainty. For example, elections in the United States or Europe could alter this panorama. A case to observe is that of Germany, which will have elections soon.

“If Germany, as leader of the European Union, adopts a more permissive position with Putin or aligns with Trump’s vision, the crisis in Europe could deepen. NATO faces a critical moment of redefinition, where its unit will depend on how it evolves The political landscape in the West and the capacity of Europe to adapt to a world with a more unstable relationship with the United States, “said Escobar.

By Editor