The events of the Trump-Zelensky meeting and its aftershocks are reverberating through the world. People are reading the situation and drawing conclusions—some in shock and some in celebration. But how many truly understand what has happened, what it means, and, most importantly, where it all leads?
Europe’s Fear of Russia
Europe fears Russia. The fear borders on an irrational phobia of the Russian bear overrunning Europe and reaching the Atlantic. The response to the Ukrainian invasion and the rhetoric surrounding it reflect this anxiety. But where does this fear originate? Does it stem from the USSR’s expansion into Eastern Europe, or is it a collective memory of what European powers did to Russia over centuries—including Napoleon’s invasion, the Crimean War, the Swedish war of the 1600s, the war with the Polish-Lithuanian coalition, and Nazi Germany’s aggression? In the aftermath of WWI and WWII, Europe as a whole lost its fighting spirit, but its fear of Russia remains, and it can no longer contain ambitions rising in the east.
Europe’s Reaction to Ukraine
This fear explains Europe’s reaction to Ukraine. Talk of freedom and human rights is merely a smokescreen. Europe was indecisive and indifferent during the Bosnian conflict. So, war in Europe alone did not trigger the same response as the Russian invasion did.
Europe’s Dependence on the U.S.
Until now, Europe relied on the U.S. to provide military strength and financial backing for its protection. Although they may secretly disdain the U.S. as young and amateurish—like a child in need of guidance—they have depended on it. Britain has served as the intermediary between Europe and the U.S., maintaining the so-called special relationship. British leaders have tolerated presidents they considered clownish, like Reagan and George W. Bush, while working with experienced figures in the State Department to help steer U.S. policy alongside British prime ministers like Thatcher, John Major, and Tony Blair.
The Deep State and Presidential Influence
The U.S. intelligentsia—including its media, State Department, and CIA (the so-called deep state)—aligned perfectly with Europe, treating elections and presidents as mere inconveniences, figureheads to be directed. Among U.S. elected officials, members of Congress are most in tune with the deep state. Thus, presidents who emerged from Congress, like Biden and Obama, aligned closely with Europe. Bush Sr., as a former CIA head, also belonged to this structure. However, presidents who previously served as governors operated differently.
Trump’s Disruption of the System
Then came Trump, a complete outsider to this structure. Suddenly, all the cozy relationships faced disruption. Instead of following the guidance of seasoned policymakers—those bred on Russian hatred and containment—Trump was determined to forge his own path.
Accountability for the War
Let it be said clearly and openly: Biden’s administration, the U.S. deep state, and their European allies bear responsibility for all the deaths and injuries in this war.
Europe’s Panic and Strategic Rethink
The UK and Europe are now in a state of panic and damage control. They cannot confront Russia alone. Diverting the necessary funds for years would mean taking from their welfare states, something they are unwilling to do. Additionally, they lack the manpower to fight a war on their own or sustain arms and ammunition supplies.
Their populations, accustomed to comfortable living, have grown too soft to endure a prolonged war effort. Strategic rethinking is inevitable. They are not fools. Their options include waiting out Trump and hoping for a Biden-like president in four years. Some may even consider orchestrating harm against Trump (if they can shift the blame to Iran or a radical Muslim), but that plan remains on hold, given J.D. Vance’s performance with Zelensky.
The Role of Mercenaries
One plausible scenario involves hiring mercenaries to continue the fight. Theoretically, they could find a corrupt military, such as Pakistan’s, and pay its generals to send soldiers into battle.
Britain’s Miscalculation
Many people see Zelensky being greeted by the British PM and King and believe Britain’s influence and prestige are rising. I argue the opposite. Betting on a losing horse results in losing money. Britain has staked its prestige on a cause that cannot succeed. The world will soon see Britain for what it truly is—a glorified relic of history, withered, ancient, and fading.
The End of Europe’s Dominance
Europe is no longer the center of the world. It is geographically small, its population is aging and dwindling, and it has relied on American support for decades. The center of gravity has shifted. This is the end, not the beginning.