Let us start here:
Trump and Putin: A Dangerous Alliance Threatening Ukraine’s Future and Precious Resources
In less than a fortnight, Donald Trump has upended decades of transatlantic security assumptions, plunging Europe into its most precarious position since the Second World War. His actions have not only created a new crisis for Ukraine but also raised alarming questions about the future of European stability. As Kyiv marks the grim milestone of three years since Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion, the fighting continues to rage along a vast frontline. Yet, the most immediate threat to Ukraine’s sovereignty may no longer be solely from Moscow but from an unlikely alliance forming between Trump and Putin, one that could strip Ukraine of its precious natural resources.
A Transatlantic Crisis Unfolds
The dramatic unravelling of transatlantic ties began with an email to the media on 12 February, containing embargoed comments from Pete Hegseth, Trump’s newly appointed defence secretary. Speaking at a meeting of 50 nations to discuss assistance for Ukraine, Hegseth declared it “unrealistic” for Kyiv to reclaim all its territory from Russia, ruled out NATO membership as part of any ceasefire deal, and stated that US forces would not be deployed to deter future Russian aggression. Most shockingly, he asserted that the US could no longer be the “primary guarantor of security in Europe.”
This statement sent shockwaves through European capitals, confirming their worst fears: under Trump, the US no longer views NATO as the bedrock of transatlantic security. The message was clear: Europe must shoulder a far greater burden for its own defence and support for Ukraine.
Trump’s Overtures to Putin
The crisis deepened hours later when Trump held a 90-minute phone call with Putin; the first such conversation between the two leaders since the full-scale war began. Described by Trump as “lengthy and highly productive,” the call signalled a thaw in US-Russia relations and a chilling of ties between the US and Europe. This shift was starkly evident at the Munich Security Conference, where US Vice President JD Vance berated Europe’s democracy and free speech record, further alienating allies.
Meanwhile, Trump’s administration began pressuring Kyiv to sign an economic deal that would grant the US access to up to half of Ukraine’s natural resources, including minerals and rare earth elements, as a form of repayment for past military aid. This move has been met with horror by Ukraine and its European allies, who see it as a betrayal of their collective efforts to resist Russian aggression.
Ukraine Caught in the Crossfire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is insisting that no peace deal can be made without Ukraine’s involvement. However, the pressure from Washington is mounting. Trump has publicly criticised Zelenskyy, falsely claiming he has a 4% approval rating and accusing Kyiv of starting the war. In a shocking rebuke, Trump even labelled Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections” and warned him to “move fast” to secure a peace deal or risk losing his country.
The rupture in diplomatic norms has left Ukraine and Europe reeling. With Washington’s support in question, Kyiv now looks to its European allies to fill the void. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visits to Washington this week are critical moments to persuade Trump that standing with Ukraine is to be on the right side of history. However, there is little indication that Trump will heed their advice.
A New World Order?
Trump’s mantra of “peace through strength” appears to be a thinly veiled justification for his transactional approach to foreign policy. By prioritising a deal with Putin and pressuring Ukraine to relinquish its resources, Trump risks emboldening Moscow and setting the stage for a wider European conflict. Putin, sensing an opportunity, may seek to test how much more he can extract from Europe if the US truly steps back.
The implications of this potential alliance between Trump and Putin are dire. Ukraine’s vast reserves of minerals and rare earth elements, crucial for modern technology and defence, could fall into the hands of foreign powers, leaving the country economically crippled and politically vulnerable. For Europe, the erosion of US support undermines the very foundations of its post-war security architecture.
The Road Ahead
As Trump continues to criticise Zelenskyy and push for a one-sided deal, Ukraine’s European allies must act decisively. Strengthening European defence capabilities and providing unwavering support to Kyiv are essential steps to counterbalance the shifting dynamics. However, the ultimate challenge lies in convincing Trump that his approach not only endangers Ukraine but also risks destabilising the entire continent.
The coming weeks will be pivotal. If Trump and Putin succeed in their efforts to strip Ukraine of its resources, the consequences will reverberate far beyond Kyiv, reshaping the geopolitical landscape for years, possibly centuries, to come. For Europe, the stakes could not be higher.
