Shifting Sands: How Trump Altered The US And EU's Ukraine-Russia Policy

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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Trump's Ambivalence Towards NATO and Transatlantic Relations

Trump's presidency was characterized by skepticism towards NATO and transatlantic alliances. He frequently questioned the alliance's value, particularly criticizing European allies for insufficient defense spending. This ambivalence significantly undermined the US commitment to collective security, a cornerstone of post-World War II foreign policy.

• Withdrawal threats concerning NATO: Trump repeatedly threatened to withdraw the US from NATO, shaking the confidence of European members.
• Public questioning of NATO's relevance: His public pronouncements questioning NATO's relevance and purpose fueled anxieties among allies.
• Reduced US military engagement in Europe: While not explicitly withdrawing troops, Trump's rhetoric and actions signaled a reduction in US military engagement and commitment to European security.
• Impact on European trust in the US commitment to collective security: This eroded trust in the US commitment to collective defense, forcing European nations to reassess their own security strategies and potentially seek alternative alliances or partnerships.

This wavering commitment directly impacted US support for Ukraine. The uncertainty created by Trump's stance on NATO weakened the overall Western response to Russian aggression and emboldened Moscow.

Shifting Sands in US Sanctions Policy Towards Russia

Trump's approach to sanctions against Russia was notably inconsistent. While sanctions were already in place following Russia's annexation of Crimea and its involvement in the Donbas conflict, Trump often appeared reluctant to enforce or expand them, undermining their effectiveness.

• Hesitation to impose new sanctions: Trump often hesitated to impose new sanctions, even in response to clear violations of international norms by Russia.
• Public praise for Vladimir Putin: His public praise for Vladimir Putin and attempts to cultivate closer ties with Russia sent mixed signals to allies and adversaries alike.
• Attempts to improve relations with Russia: Trump prioritized improving relations with Russia, often at the expense of maintaining pressure on the Kremlin regarding Ukraine.
• Impact on Russia's international standing: While sanctions did have some effect, Trump's reluctance to fully utilize them mitigated their impact, potentially emboldening Russia in its actions against Ukraine.

This fluctuating sanctions policy significantly hampered Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression. The lack of consistent and robust pressure from the US created openings for further Russian encroachment.

The Impact on EU-US Cooperation on Ukraine

Trump's actions significantly strained the transatlantic consensus on Ukraine. The divergence between US and EU policies on Russia created uncertainty and hampered effective responses to the conflict.

• Divergence in sanctions policies: The inconsistent application of US sanctions created friction with European partners who maintained a more unified approach.
• Differing approaches to diplomatic engagement: Trump's attempts to engage with Russia independently of European allies often undermined joint diplomatic efforts.
• Strained communication and cooperation between the US and EU on Ukraine: This led to strained communication and cooperation, weakening the overall Western response to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
• Impact on EU's own security strategy: The lack of reliable US support forced the EU to re-evaluate its security strategy, leading to a greater emphasis on its own defense capabilities.

The resulting uncertainty profoundly affected Ukraine's security and its ability to pursue crucial reforms, hindering its path towards closer integration with the West.

The Zelenskyy-Trump Phone Call and its Aftermath

The July 2019 phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, where Trump allegedly pressured Zelenskyy to investigate Joe Biden, triggered a major political crisis. This event had profound domestic and international implications.

• The content of the phone call: The call's content, revealed through a whistleblower complaint, exposed a potential abuse of power and raised concerns about US foreign policy being driven by partisan interests.
• The impeachment proceedings: The subsequent impeachment inquiry against Trump further strained US-Ukraine relations and damaged America's international standing.
• The impact on US-Ukraine relations: The episode cast a shadow over US-Ukraine relations, raising questions about the reliability of the US as a security partner.
• The response from European allies: European allies expressed concern about the implications of the phone call, highlighting the disruption caused by internal US political turmoil on transatlantic relations.

Conclusion

Trump's presidency fundamentally altered the US and EU's Ukraine-Russia policy. His ambivalence towards NATO, inconsistent sanctions policy, and strained transatlantic relations created a climate of uncertainty that emboldened Russia and weakened Ukraine's position. The long-term implications of these changes are profound, impacting the security landscape in Eastern Europe and the trust between the US and its European allies. The Zelenskyy-Trump phone call further exacerbated these issues, underscoring the fragility of transatlantic cooperation. Further research and discussion on Trump's impact on Ukraine, a comprehensive Trump's Russia policy analysis, and analyzing Trump's foreign policy towards Ukraine and Russia are crucial for understanding the current geopolitical situation and shaping future responses. We need to continue analyzing Trump's Ukraine-Russia policy to learn from past mistakes and build stronger, more resilient alliances in the future.