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Trump’s Strategy Shakes Europe

The White House’s recent national security strategy has unsettled European allies by warning that the continent risks “civilizational erasure” and questioning whether some nations can remain reliable partners for the U.S. The document criticized European leadership on immigration, democracy, and freedom of speech, while highlighting waning economic and military power.

“It is far from obvious whether certain European countries will have economies and militaries strong enough to remain reliable allies,” the strategy stated, calling for the U.S. to re-establish “strategic stability” with Russia despite its ongoing war against Ukraine.

Petraeus Defends the Wake-Up Call

Former CIA Director and four-star Army General David Petraeus told CNBC that Trump’s tough stance was necessary. “Some of the Europeans needed to be gotten after,” he said, noting that multiple U.S. presidents had tried to persuade Europe to increase defense spending with limited success.

Petraeus emphasized that Trump’s efforts yielded results. Several NATO countries have committed to raising defense spending to 5% of GDP this year, marking a historic increase after years of underinvestment.

Diplomatic Stalemate in Ukraine

Petraeus also weighed in on peace efforts in Ukraine, expressing skepticism that Russia would compromise. Negotiations are ongoing, but Moscow’s maximalist demands—including territorial control, regime change, and a demilitarized Ukraine with no NATO membership—remain major obstacles.

“Vladimir Putin just continues to reiterate his goals, which essentially deny independence to Ukraine,” Petraeus said. “He wants a pro-Russian president to replace President Zelenskyy and to control the most fortified regions of Ukraine. Putin is not going to budge.”

Frozen Assets Could Be a Game Changer

European allies are exploring ways to finance Ukraine’s war effort and post-war reconstruction, estimated to exceed $500 billion. A key option under consideration is the mobilization of roughly 210 billion euros ($244 billion) in Russian sovereign assets currently frozen in European banks.

Petraeus called this move potentially transformative. “$200 billion or even 100 billion euros for Ukraine would be a game changer. It solves their fiscal and economic problems for a couple of years,” he said, noting that such funding could significantly strengthen Ukraine’s position in ongoing negotiations.

Implications for Global Security

The combination of Trump’s assertive strategy, increased European defense commitments, and potential financial leverage against Russia could reshape the transatlantic security landscape. Petraeus suggested that, while Europe was unsettled by the warnings, the strategy may ultimately lead to stronger, more capable allies in a volatile geopolitical environment.