Report: Washington Moving to Punish Europe

SadaNews - A report from the "Politico" website stated that U.S. President Donald Trump has taken an interest in criticizing European powers or punishing them, instead of coordinating policies with them.

It added that this was clearly evident through the attack Trump launched on the German Chancellor via social media.

The report continued that the Trump administration's preoccupation with crises in the Middle East, specifically tensions with Iran, has led to a decrease in the priority of the war in Ukraine within the White House, prompting European capitals to intensify efforts to enhance their defensive independence.

These developments come at a time when President Trump raised concern at the Pentagon about the possibility of reducing the U.S. military presence in European countries, along with a phone call he had with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which a short ceasefire was agreed upon without involving the Ukrainian side.

European officials, who requested anonymity, stated that these moves reinforce the belief in the necessity of working towards establishing a "European Defense Union" to address security challenges more independently from Washington.

On the other hand, White House spokesperson Olivia Welles confirmed that the U.S. administration's efforts remain focused on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons while continuing to work to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, expressing the administration's optimism about reaching a peace agreement.

In contrast, Ukraine has begun to adapt its strategy to rely less on direct American support.

A recent poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology showed a decline in Ukrainian public trust in the U.S. commitment to providing necessary support, with the percentage dropping to 40% compared to 57% in January.