A Defining Week For Ukraine And The West As Trump Reshapes Global Alliances

The coming days could prove pivotal for Ukraine and the West as European leaders scramble to assert their influence amid shifting U.S. foreign policy.

The presidents of France and Britain—leaders of Europe’s two nuclear powers—are making urgent trips to Washington, desperate to reclaim a central role in determining Ukraine’s fate after being sidelined in recent U.S.-Russia negotiations.

Former President Donald Trump, now back in the White House, sent shockwaves through the transatlantic alliance last week. His remarks, which played into Russian President Vladimir Putin’s hands, included sharp criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a distorted retelling of how the war began.

Macron and Starmer Race to Washington

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet Trump on Monday, marking three years since Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine—an attack that has claimed tens of thousands of civilian lives and left Putin’s forces accused of war crimes.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer follows on Thursday in what could be the most treacherous diplomatic moment of his young premiership. As gaps widen between Washington and London over Ukraine’s dire situation, Starmer will attempt to align British policy with a White House that now views Ukraine—and Europe itself—through an entirely new lens.

One controversial plan gaining traction in Europe is the creation of a “reassurance force,” potentially deploying up to 30,000 European troops to Ukraine if a peace deal is reached. However, significant hurdles remain—not least the fact that an agreement acceptable to both Zelensky and Putin appears highly unlikely. Moreover, Starmer has warned that such a force would require a U.S. “backstop,” including security guarantees, intelligence cooperation, air support, and heavy transport.

A critical question this week will be whether Trump, who has signaled little interest in further NATO involvement, is willing to support such a force—especially given Russia’s strong opposition to any Western troops in Ukraine.

Trump’s New Direction: A Fracturing of the West

Trump’s return has already triggered deep fractures in the transatlantic alliance, threatening the post-World War II security order. He has treated America’s long-standing European allies—who have long faced U.S. criticism for underinvesting in defense—as adversaries. His administration’s actions have shattered Europe’s long-held assumptions about U.S. security guarantees.

His latest move—openly siding with Putin over Zelensky—has alarmed allies. Even more concerning is his apparent willingness to push a deal forcing Ukraine to export rare earth minerals as “repayment” for past U.S. aid.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently reinforced Trump’s stance, telling NATO officials in Brussels that Europe must take primary responsibility for its own security—raising fundamental questions about NATO’s mutual defense commitments. Meanwhile, Vice President J.D. Vance’s fiery speech in Munich, in which he criticized European governments and values, was seen as an attempt to undermine traditional allies in favor of far-right populists inspired by Trump’s “America First” agenda.

These shifts have sent European leaders scrambling. Friedrich Merz, the likely next German chancellor following Sunday’s election, responded with an extraordinary statement:

“My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can truly achieve independence from the U.S.”

Merz, leader of Germany’s conservative Christian Democratic Union, admitted he never thought he’d make such a statement on live television, but added:

“After Donald Trump’s statements last week, it is clear that this administration is largely indifferent to Europe’s fate.”

Trump Pushes for a Rapid Peace Deal with Putin

Trump appears determined to secure a swift peace agreement, much like the rapid domestic policy shifts he has enacted since returning to the White House.

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy who is now playing a leading role in the Ukraine talks, suggested on Sunday that a breakthrough is imminent.

“We came very, very close to signing something,” Witkoff told CNN’s State of the Union. “The president understands how to get deals done. And deals only work when they’re good for all parties. That’s the path we’re on here.”

Trump’s administration has hinted that his recent depiction of Zelensky as a “dictator” was a calculated move to avoid angering Putin and keep negotiations on track. Hegseth defended the strategy, arguing that labeling leaders as “good” or “bad” is not productive in diplomacy.

However, critics argue that Trump’s approach is nothing short of surrender to Putin. Sen. Jack Reed, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, accused Trump of betraying Ukraine and caving to Russian interests.

“This is not diplomacy. This is someone who admires Putin and does not believe in the Ukrainian struggle,” Reed said. “If Ukraine falls, Putin won’t stop there. He’ll work to destabilize Eastern Europe, creating chaos across the region.”

Ukraine and Europe Fear Trump’s Next Move

Trump’s sudden pivot toward Putin has left European leaders fearing that he will attempt to impose a U.S.-Russia peace deal on Kyiv without regard for Ukraine’s interests. That’s why Macron and Starmer are heading to Washington—to convince Trump that he must stand firm against Putin and negotiate a fair settlement.

“I’m going to tell him: You cannot be weak in the face of Putin. That’s not you, that’s not your brand,” Macron said in a social media Q&A.

An Élysée Palace official emphasized that Macron shares Trump’s goal of ending the war but insists that Ukraine’s security must be a central part of any agreement.

“He is traveling to Washington to push for a resolution that ensures Ukraine’s security, strengthens European defense, and keeps Ukraine fully involved in negotiations,” the official said.

Meanwhile, Starmer is taking a firmer pro-Ukraine stance, warning that no deal should be made without Kyiv’s direct involvement.

“Nobody wants this bloodshed to continue. But after everything the Ukrainians have fought for, there can be no discussion about Ukraine without Ukraine,” Starmer declared at a Labour Party conference in Glasgow.

This stance directly contradicts Trump’s position. Trump has dismissed Zelensky’s role in negotiations, stating:

“I’ve been watching him negotiate with no cards. He has no cards. And you get sick of it,” Trump said in a Fox News Radio interview.

He also criticized his European visitors, saying:

“Macron’s a friend of mine. And I met with the prime minister—nice guy—but nobody’s done anything.”

The Future of NATO and European Defense

Beyond Ukraine, Trump’s demands for NATO members to drastically increase defense spending are also driving a wedge between Washington and European capitals. He has called for European nations to commit at least 5% of GDP to defense—more than double NATO’s current target of 2%.

Starmer acknowledged that Trump was “right” to push for increased European defense spending, but his administration remains vague on whether the UK will commit to Trump’s demands. Meanwhile, Macron and Starmer will argue that America’s presence in Europe remains critical for long-term stability, even as Trump signals a pivot toward confronting China instead.

But convincing Trump of NATO’s enduring value will be a tough sell. He remains transactional in his approach, viewing alliances as obligations rather than strategic assets.

Macron has already tried to shape Trump’s thinking—arranging a December meeting with then-President-elect Trump and Zelensky in Paris. While Trump was polite and in “listening mode” at the time, it’s clear that the conversation did little to change his stance.

Now, as Europe braces for what could be a defining week, its leaders must face the reality that Trump’s vision for Ukraine—and for the West—may be radically different from their own.