The United Nations' annual September gathering typically fades into the background of global events.
However, this year, President Donald Trump's participation made it a noteworthy affair.
His speech, peppered with provocative questions such as "what is the purpose of the United Nations?" and stern warnings to open border advocates that "your countries are going to hell," drew audible gasps from the audience. Yet, it was his behind-the-scenes activities that truly stole the spotlight.
According to The Washington Free Beacon, following his speech, Trump penned, "I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form." His amicable meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky led many to believe that Trump had abandoned his alignment with Russia and was shifting back towards Europe.
However, this interpretation is not entirely accurate. Trump has consistently sought a stronger commitment from Europe, not a complete severance of ties.
Trump's aspiration for a fruitful relationship with Russia remains, with a preference for Moscow to focus on threats from Beijing rather than Washington. As he concluded in his Ukraine post, "I wish both Countries well."
Yet, he also noted on Tuesday, "of the seven wars that I stopped, I thought that [Ukraine] would be the easiest because of my relationship with President Putin." "Unfortunately," he added, "that relationship didn't mean anything." His peace initiatives have faltered, and the war he views with justified dread continues unabated.
Trump's attitude towards Ukraine has evolved over time. Initially, the country evoked unpleasant memories for him, particularly the first-term accusations of collusion with Russia and impeachment, which were highlighted during the February Oval Office debacle with Zelensky.
However, Zelensky's charm offensive and openness to Trump's peace proposals have since left a positive impression in the White House.
Ukraine's standing within the broader Republican Party has also improved. A Vandenberg Coalition poll conducted this summer revealed that approximately three-quarters of Trump voters perceive Russia as a threat and support additional sanctions.
The Iran strike weakened and disheartened Ukraine's GOP critics, who largely coincide with the anti-Israel caucus. Trump's base is neither excited by prolonged wars to protect foreign democracies nor by Europeans who offer little more than criticism and demands, but they also do not want America's adversaries to gain further ground.
Trump believes he has found a solution to the Ukraine issue that aligns with his and his party's objectives: Make the Europeans bear the financial burden of defending their region, including Ukraine. As he wrote this week, "With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO," Ukraine should be able to regain all the territory Russia has seized since 2014."
The role of America? "We will continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them."
This approach deviates from the usual strategy adopted by American presidents since the end of the Cold War, who typically needed to form coalitions to achieve their goals. Trump has challenged the Europeans, stating, "I am ready to do major Sanctions on Russia when all NATO Nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA I am ready to 'go' when you are. Just say when?"
He also wants them to impose tariffs on China for supporting Russia's war efforts and has publicly urged NATO members to intercept Russian aircraft that have repeatedly violated their airspace.
Unlike during his first term, Trump now has willing partners. Germany's Friedrich Merz is a significant improvement over Angela Merkel. And if Viktor Orbn loses his reelection next April, Hungary will likely cease obstructing European action on Russia.
However, this strategy is not without risks. Barack Obama's "leading from behind" strategy relied on the Europeans stepping up, which resulted in a massacre in Libya. Polish Foreign Minister Rados?aw Sikorski recently confessed that European security guarantees for Ukraine lack credibility.
Polish President Donald Tusk has expressed concern over the "promise of reduced U.S. involvement and a shift of responsibility for ending the war to Europe" emanating from Trump. The Poles, who are acutely aware of the threat from their Russian neighbors, are increasingly alarmed.
Russia's economy is struggling, but time may not favor Ukraine. Pro-Russian and anti-American parties were leading the polls in France and Germany even before the National Assembly ousted France's prime minister earlier this month. If they triumph, America's position in Europe will deteriorate.
Trump's views, like the fortunes of war, are volatile and tumultuous. His willingness to assist Europe will rise or fall in line with the Europeans' readiness to help themselves. For his plan to succeed and for Europe to attain peace, America's allies need to alter realities on the ground, not merely issue new statements at conferences.
Login