Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky greets European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Kyiv, November 4, 2023
I joined Poland’s TVP World on Wednesday to analyze Europe’s planning for defense amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the risks of a chaotic Trump Administration.
In the 11-minute interview, I assess the likelihood of a complete US withdrawal from European security.
There is one level — Donald Trump, whose priority is not American security let alone that of Europe.
There is another level of officials about disengaging the US from Europe, including Vice President J.D. Vance.
But you have a level of officials who much see that the US is still part of Europe’s security.
Most importantly, you have American institutions tied to European security.
Then I assess the state of Europe’s declarations, including €800 billion investment in defense over five years; its planning; and its commitments.
There will be a constrained US involvement as long as you have a Trump Administration. So you have to pursue autonomy while maintaining relations with the “adults in the room” back in the US.
I conclude with the reminder, with respect both to Ukraine’s resistance of Russia and Europe’s quest for autonomy, “This is a marathon, not a sprint.”
