America has withdrawn, Russia is advancing, and Europe is on its knees

In a comprehensive report, excerpts of which were published by the Ukrainian portal NV.ua, it is noted that the second Donald Trump administration clearly indicated the need for a paradigm shift.

“Specifically, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated during the Contact Group meeting on February 12, 2025, that ensuring European security should become a priority for the NATO member states themselves in Europe,” the text recalls.

According to the new Washington doctrine, Europeans should take on a “substantial portion” of both lethal and non-lethal aid to Ukraine.

The report also notes that U.S. military assistance sharply declined from January 2025, and Washington began using security issues as a tool of economic coercion, linking defense guarantees to trade concessions from the EU.

U.S. withdraws, Russia attacks

As the U.S. role in Europe recedes into the background, Kremlin aggression is taking on new dimensions. Russia has fully shifted to a “military track,” spending 40% of its federal budget on defense.

According to analysts, official Moscow has not only failed to abandon its maximalist goals in Ukraine, but is also preparing for new conflicts.

Intelligence estimates suggest that Moscow may be ready for:

• A regional war in the Baltics two years after a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.

• A local war against a neighboring country within just six months.

The report further states that Russia has already intensified its hybrid campaign in Europe, including sabotage of energy networks and airspace violations over Poland and Estonia in September 2025.

Trump’s plan “failed”

The 28-point peace plan, which emerged in November 2025 with U.S. support, caused particular concern in European capitals.

The document largely ignores European interests, foresees territorial concessions from Kyiv, limits the size of Ukraine’s armed forces, and excludes Ukraine from NATO membership.

The report’s authors emphasize that Washington increasingly acts as an “arbiter” rather than as an ally.

Despite European countries increasing their defense budgets by 41%, the report describes these efforts as insufficient.

Rather than creating a unified EU defense system, countries have strengthened “industrial nationalism,” continuing to purchase U.S. systems (F-35, Patriot) to maintain loyalty to Washington.

In conclusion, the report’s authors warn that further fluctuations will leave Europe vulnerable in the “grey zone” between different spheres of influence, gradually undermining its ability to shape its own future.