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This year’s Munich Security Conference revealed deep divisions between the Donald Trump administration and European governments. European publications are sounding the alarm: The United States is seeking to take control of the negotiations to end the war in Ukraine and push Europe out of the process, The Guardian writes.
After Trump’s phone call with Putin and US Vice President J.D. Vance’s harsh criticism of Europe, the global media is concerned about a possible shift in the geopolitical balance. This is especially true after Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said that European countries would not participate in peace talks.
Le Monde: US declares ideological war on Europe
The French newspaper Le Monde compared JD Vance’s rhetoric to Putin’s historic speech in 2007, when the Russian leader openly opposed the United States. However, in 2025, the situation has changed: now America is on the other side of the barricades, according to an article by journalist Sylvie Kaufmann.
Vance accused European democracies of “suppressing freedom of speech and religion” and said that the main threat to the continent is not Russia or China, but Europe’s own abandonment of “fundamental values”.
Le Monde notes that his silence on Ukraine has been most disturbing. This only adds to the confusion surrounding Trump’s initiative to end the war, the French newspaper concludes:
“Washington is shrouded in a thick fog today”.
The New York Times: Putin on the road to his dream
The New York Times emphasises that the Trump administration has demonstrated a new format for transatlantic relations. The newspaper recalls that back in 2007, Putin demanded a reduction in US influence in Europe and the creation of a new balance of power favourable to Moscow.
“Then he didn’t get what he wanted. Now he has an administration in Washington that can help him make that dream come true,” the article says.
The NYT also notes that Trump’s remarks raise concerns:
“The US can either side with Russia or simply leave Europe to its own devices.”
If this happens, it will be “an unimaginable victory for Putin” that will surpass even any success in the war against Ukraine, the NYT writes.
Süddeutsche Zeitung: Vance did not warn – he lit the fire
Germany’s Süddeutsche Zeitung criticises Vance’s speech in Munich, calling it not a “friendly wake-up call” but an “outright act of arson”.
According to journalist Daniel Brössler, Washington is already preparing a deal with Putin – “not only at the expense of Ukraine, but also at the expense of Europe”.
“Trump will make a deal. And the Europeans will pay and militarily ensure peace.”
The publication warns that the continent is now facing a double blow – from Putin, who seeks to change the European order, and from Trump, who no longer recognises common values and interests.
“On the one hand, the US demands that Europe defend itself against Russia, and on the other hand, it supports pro-Russian politicians and capitulators.”
The Kyiv Independent: Europe must act now
The Ukrainian edition of The Kyiv Independent directly states:
“The US administration is ready to give Russia a victory in the war against Ukraine”.
The editorial calls on European governments to take responsibility for the continent’s future.
“All eyes are now on you, Europe. The real decision of whether Russia wins this war no longer depends on Trump – it depends on you.”
If Europe does not act immediately, the US may withdraw and Ukraine will fall. In this case, the newspaper warns, Europeans will have to confront Russia on their own:
“Russia is at war not only with Ukraine, but with the entire West. And no compromise will stop this war.”
After the Munich conference, European publications started talking about an unprecedented gap between the US and Europe. The harsh rhetoric of Trump and his administration, the focus on America’s domestic problems, and the possible rapprochement with Russia are alarming.
In this context, the key role in countering the Kremlin is gradually shifting to Europe. The only question is whether it is ready for this responsibility.
