ABC News Daily What Trump’s shift to Putin means for Europe
Feb 20, 2025
Samir Puri, Director of Chatham House’s Centre for Global Governance and Security and author of 'Westlessness', discusses significant shifts in U.S. foreign policy under Trump regarding Russia and Ukraine. He highlights alarming remarks made at the Munich security conference that rattled European leaders. The conversation touches on the rise of far-right parties in Europe and the sidelining of Ukraine in critical peace talks. Puri also examines the broader implications of these shifts for Europe’s security responsibilities in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
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Vance's Controversial Speech
- At the Munich Security Conference, US Vice President JD Vance shocked attendees by focusing on European domestic politics.
- His joke about surviving Greta Thunberg and Elon Musk was met with silence, and his comments on European elites and immigration angered many.
Trump's Peace Deal Efforts
- Donald Trump's efforts to negotiate peace with Vladimir Putin, excluding Ukraine and European leaders, represent a shift in US foreign policy.
- This raises questions about the West's commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty indefinitely.
Shift in US Foreign Policy Focus
- The Trump administration is shifting its focus towards the Asia Pacific, suggesting Europe may need to take more responsibility for its own security.
- While European countries have military capabilities, a reorientation towards continental security would be a significant change.