Donald Trump has the extraordinary ability to appear in different ways to different people. It is difficult to capture who really hides behind the masks it assumes – and the fate of whole countries depend on what they really think. Nowhere is it more visible than in the case of Russian aggression towards Ukraine.
The last statement of the US president regarding the war in Ukraine was enigmatic as always. On September 23, at Truth Social Trump – who previously called the war in Ukraine with the “Zelnski War” – he said that Kiev “was able to fight and win all Ukraine in its original form.” He even suggested that Ukrainians could go beyond the 1991 borders. “Good luck to everyone” – he added.
This did not brighten up too much. This message, however, was accepted with satisfaction by those who hoped that Trump would change their minds and Ukraine. They received these words as a sign of the frustration of the US President against Vladimir Putin and a sign that maybe his friendship with the Russian dictator was over.
However, more careful observers doubt this interpretation. They see the second bottom.
For example, the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that “behind this surprising optimism lies the announcement of less US involvement and transferring responsibility for the end of the war to Europe. Better truth than illusions.” “Better truth than illusions” – he wrote on X.
Considering the frequent changes in Trump's position in the case of Ukraine in recent months, it is unreasonable to think that his last statement is a new starting point. It is already obvious that the United States does not have a real desire to get more involved in the war in Ukraine.
The best you can count on is that Washington will continue to provide Ukraine with intelligence information and military assistance (if Europeans will be willing to cover costs). It is Europe who must now take action – keep Ukraine on the front, providing its supply of weapons. It is also Europe who must suffer the consequences of the prolonged war on the continent. And these consequences will be tragic.
High price
Of course, Ukraine suffered the greatest losses in the war. In addition to terrible human victims, counted in hundreds of thousands killed and millions of permanently displaced people, the country was economically devastated. There is nothing to think about quickly reconstruction. As the war prolongs, the costs will increase, leading the country to the brink of insolvency, and perhaps even to a complete fall.
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Russia was also affected by war. Suffering because of high inflation, barriers The Russian economy is slowly heading towards the disaster. Perspectives deteriorate with every month of fighting. If Russia loses the war, it will probably sink into chaos and fragmentation. If she wins, authoritarian and destroyed will have to bear the prohibitive political and economic costs related to the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Europeans are in a better situation – but also pay the price of over three years of economic war with Russia. It manifests itself in higher energy costs, losses caused by the collapse of trade with this country and burdens related to defense expenses. If we take into account difficult choices, which Europeans will have to make to reduce their dependence on China, an image of economic stagnation, growing unemployment and a reduction in the standard of living, emerges. All this will fuel right -wing populism in European politics, giving birth to the real danger of an authoritarian phrase.
End of European domination
It is becoming more and more obvious that the main losers of this war will be Ukraine and Russia, but also Europe. You can see the similarity to the self-destruction of the Old Continent in 1914-18 and 1939-45. These wars devastated the continent, ending the era of his dominance.
Western Europe rebuilt economically under the care of the United States and ended the Cold War as a winner. In recent years, however, its relative economic power has decreased significantly – due to the increase in the importance of the global south. The last thing that Europe needed was another long war.
In the coming years, Europe, Ukraine and Russia will weaken and lose their importance on the international arena. The rules of the game will be set by other countries – mainly China and the United States. And future historians dealing with this war will be disbelief asking how Europeans could do it: not once, not twice, but three times in a row.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
