Political Scientist Declares US "Lost Partner" Following Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting Fallout

Following the abrupt and unsettling breakdown of a meeting between former US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, prominent political scientist Joachim Krause has issued a stark assessment, declaring that the United States is no longer a reliable partner for the West. Krause’s comments highlight a significant shift in geopolitical perceptions and raise profound questions about the future of transatlantic relations and the ongoing support for Ukraine.

Krause, Director of the Institute for Security Policy at the University of Kiel (ISPK), did not mince words in his assessment. "The leading Western power, the USA, has abandoned the flag," he stated definitively in an interview with the German Press Agency. "One has to say that very clearly. It is no longer part of the Western community, the community of Western democracies." He attributed this perceived abandonment not only to Trump’s actions but also to the diverging views of democracy held by Trump and his potential Vice President, J. Vance. The underlying premise is that the USA are not trustworthy under a new Trump administration.

This sentiment represents a critical juncture, implying a potential realignment of global power dynamics. For decades, the United States has been viewed as the cornerstone of Western alliances, providing military, economic, and political support to its allies. Krause’s assertion suggests that this era might be drawing to a close, forcing European nations to re-evaluate their strategies and seek alternative solutions for security and stability.

Krause believes that the USA will act with their own intrests at heart above all else.

The implications of Krause’s assessment are particularly acute for Ukraine, which is currently engaged in a protracted and devastating conflict with Russia. The prospect of diminished US support raises serious concerns about Ukraine’s ability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Krause’s analysis suggests that the situation is dire, with little hope of reconciliation between Zelenskyy and Trump. "I don’t think it makes much sense to beg in Washington anymore," he said, signaling a loss of faith in the possibility of securing further significant assistance from the US.

Krause fears that a decision has already been made within certain circles in the United States to drastically reduce military aid to Ukraine. Furthermore, he raised the specter of the US government potentially shutting down the Starlink system in Ukraine, a crucial communication infrastructure that has been vital for military and civilian operations. The loss of Starlink connectivity would severely hamper Ukraine’s ability to coordinate its defense and maintain essential services.

Krause is highly sceptical of Trump’s aims concerning the war in Ukraine.

The political scientist believes that even if Zelenskyy were to offer an apology to Trump, it would likely be futile in repairing the damaged relationship. "I fear it won’t do much good if Zelenskyy now crawls to the cross," Krause stated. He believes that the situation has deteriorated to a point where personal apologies would be insufficient to overcome the fundamental differences in perspective and policy. Krause suspects that Trump and Vance prioritize establishing "normal relations" with Russia, potentially driven by economic interests in the energy sector.

Given this perceived shift in US policy, Krause argues that Europe must significantly increase its support for Ukraine. He acknowledges the challenges involved but insists that European nations must step up to fill the void left by the potential withdrawal of US assistance.

However, Krause also emphasizes the need for Europe to exert greater pressure on Ukraine to address its own internal challenges, particularly regarding manpower. He criticized Zelenskyy’s reluctance to conscript younger men into military service, arguing that this self-imposed limitation is exacerbating Ukraine’s manpower shortage. "The problem of the poor equipment with teams of Ukraine is a self-made problem because Zelenskyy refuses to hire young men into military service, into war service, who are younger than 27," Krause explained. This controversial stance highlights the complex and often uncomfortable realities of wartime decision-making, as well as the potential for external actors to influence domestic policies.

Looking ahead to the Ukraine special summit of European heads of state and government in London, Krause envisions two possible scenarios. In the first scenario, he suggests that France, Britain, and other nations will attempt to salvage the relationship with the United States, seeking ways to coordinate efforts and maintain a semblance of transatlantic unity. However, he also acknowledges the possibility of a second scenario, in which a majority of European leaders conclude that the US is no longer a reliable partner and that Europe must take the lead in resolving the crisis in Ukraine.

"Presumably, the French, British and others will try to say: Well, we can look again at what we can somehow manage with the Americans. But it may well be that those voices outweigh those who say: Forget the Americans, we have to see that we solve the problem of Ukraine alone, with our own strength and in initiatives," he predicts. This stark choice underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential for a significant shift in the balance of power within the Western alliance. The summit will be a crucial test of European resolve and unity, as leaders grapple with the implications of a potentially diminished US role in global affairs.

Krause’s analysis serves as a wake-up call for Europe, urging leaders to confront the possibility of a future where the United States is no longer a reliable partner. It calls for a reassessment of European security strategies, a strengthening of intra-European cooperation, and a willingness to take on greater responsibility for addressing global challenges.

The future of Ukraine, and indeed the future of the Western alliance, may well depend on the decisions made in the coming weeks and months. The US, under a potential Trump second term, may follow entirely different and difficult to predict policies.