Photo: Chris Unger/Getty Images
The United States of America has entered 2025 with a new president, Donald Trump, who returned to the White House as the 47th head of state after his inauguration on 20 January. In a matter of weeks, his administration has already managed to stir up the global community with a number of high-profile decisions, statements and negotiations that indicate a change in the vector of US foreign policy. Recent developments, including Trump’s talks with key international players and domestic initiatives, suggest the beginning of a new, ambiguous era in American history. As a leading global journalist, I propose to understand what is happening behind the scenes in Washington and how it will affect the global arena.
Inauguration and first steps: “The Golden Age or a Return to Isolationism?
In his inaugural speech, Trump promised Americans a “golden age” – an ambitious vision of prosperity based on economic nationalism and the principle of “America First”. One of his first steps was to reinstate the death penalty at the federal level, a symbolic gesture that underscored the new administration’s tough approach to domestic security. But it was the foreign policy initiatives, including negotiations with Russia and Ukraine, that attracted the most attention and have already become the subject of heated debate.
Recent weeks have shown that Trump is keen to quickly establish himself as a peacemaker capable of resolving the world’s most complex conflicts. His statement about “little progress” in ending the war between Russia and Ukraine has provoked mixed reactions. On the one hand, it indicates the administration’s intention to take an active role in resolving the conflict, which has been ongoing since 2014. On the other hand, European allies are increasingly concerned that the United States may compromise key principles for the sake of a quick result.
Photo: Alex Brandon/AP/TASS
Negotiations in Saudi Arabia: A dance with Russia
One of the key events of February was a meeting between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, where US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held almost five hours of talks. The event, according to Trump, was “very good”, and Russia, he said, “wants to stop the wild barbarism”. However, the details of the agreement remain vague, which gives rise to speculation: is Washington ready to make concessions to the Kremlin, for example, on sanctions or recognition of the occupied territories of Ukraine?
These talks were the first serious test of Trump’s foreign policy. On the one hand, it demonstrates a desire for pragmatism, as Vladimir Putin said when he praised the new administration for its “realistic view of things”. On the other hand, criticism from European leaders, including French Prime Minister François Bayrou, who called it “an unthinkable alliance between Putin and Trump,” points to a split in the Western bloc. Judging by Trump’s rhetoric, Ukraine is being offered elections as a condition for peace, a move that Kyiv says is unacceptable because of martial law and Russian propaganda.
Anti-Ukrainian rhetoric or a tactical move?
Trump’s statements about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attracted particular attention. Calling him a “modestly successful comedian” and a “dictator without elections”, Trump repeated the narratives previously promoted by Moscow. Later, however, according to social media, he allegedly clarified that he was not referring to a dictatorship, but only criticising the lack of elections. Whether this was an emotional outburst or part of a broader strategy to put pressure on Kyiv is an open question.
Analysts suggest that such statements may be an attempt to force Ukraine to agree to the US plan, which includes a deal on mining. The updated version of this agreement, according to Axios, provides for $500 billion for the US , which caused outrage in Ukraine due to the colonial flavour. At the same time, Zelenskyy, despite his harsh criticism of US negotiations with Russia, is trying to establish a dialogue with the Trump team, as evidenced by his statement about the “sense of success” after the first contacts.
The domestic arena: Sanctions, NATO and economic manoeuvres
In parallel with international negotiations, Trump has been active domestically. The extension of sanctions against Russia, which was announced in the last hours of 27 February, came as a surprise to those who had expected them to be eased. This may be a signal that the administration is not ready to give in to the Kremlin completely, while maintaining leverage.
Another important moment was Trump’s conversation with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, after which the Alliance announced billions in arms for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This contradicts fears that Trump would weaken support for Ukraine, hinting at a complex game of simultaneously putting pressure on Kyiv and showing strength to Moscow. At the same time, the Pentagon budget cuts reported by The Washington Post may indicate a reorientation of resources to domestic priorities, such as the promised wall on the border with Mexico or the deportation of migrants.
Photo: Carlos Barria / Reuters
Global implications: Europe at a crossroads
Recent events indicate that the United States under Trump is moving away from the role of guarantor of global stability that it assumed after World War II. The Financial Times notes that Washington is increasingly ignoring the opinions of its European allies, focusing on short-term interests. This is forcing Europe to look for new strategies – from strengthening its own defence to trying to save Ukraine on its own.
For Ukraine, the current situation is a balancing act between the desire to preserve its sovereignty and pressure from superpowers. The talks in Istanbul or Saudi Arabia could be decisive, but their success depends on whether Trump can find a compromise that does not look like a capitulation to the West.
Trump 2.0 – revolution or chaos?
Donald Trump has returned to power with a clear intention to rewrite the rules of the game – both in the US and on the global stage. His talks with Russia, rhetoric on Ukraine, and domestic reforms indicate an ambitious but risky course. Time will tell whether this will be the beginning of a “golden age” or plunge the world into new chaos. For now, one thing is clear: America is once again keeping everyone on their toes.
Author: Aleksandr Potetiuiev
28 February 2025
