Relations between Washington and Europe were already strained before the recent Oval Office confrontation between President Trump and President Zelenskyy. European leaders expressed strong support for Zelenskyy after the meeting, criticizing Trump for his remarks and commending the Ukrainian president’s bravery in defending his country against Russia’s invasion. Some European figures even suggested the need for a new leader in the “free world.” Zelenskyy’s defenders see the conflict in Ukraine as part of a larger hybrid war that extends beyond Eastern Europe, including cyberattacks on democracy. They fear that conceding to Russia in Ukraine could embolden further aggression. European leaders have expressed a desire for greater independence from the U.S. in terms of defense and security, with some signaling a shift towards establishing an independent European defense capability. This move would require significant investment and coordination among European nations. Despite the challenges, key European figures have acknowledged the need to adapt to a shifting transatlantic relationship. A proposed European “war cabinet” including leaders such as Macron, Merz, and Starmer could be instrumental in spearheading this effort and navigating the complexities of this new era of transatlantic relations.
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