Introduction
In a dramatic televised Oval Office meeting on Friday, President Trump and Vice President JD Vance scolded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, marking an indelible moment in the history of modern US foreign policy. One of the major reasons behind this clash is Trump’s affection for Putin and his nationalistic policies that there is no security guarantee without compensation in the form of mineral deals. The key repercussions of this diplomatic clash are the following:
1: Trump’s particular affection towards Putin
Donald Trump, in his hitherto 45 days in office, has spoken the most on the phone to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Donald Trump repeated in the same press conference that he had spoken to Putin countless times. A relationship vibe is clear between the two that started to get the war to end without any face-saving to Ukraine.
2: Sharpening the Trans-Atlantic divide
In stark contrast to the events in the Oval Office, Zelensky found a more welcoming reception in London over the weekend, when he was met by the prime minister outside Downing Street, paid a visit to the King, and was showered with support by European leaders at a meeting on Sunday. UK and Europe drafted a peace plan for Ukraine. Sir Keir Starmer proposed that European leaders establish a “coalition of the willing” to protect Ukraine following the London meeting, but there were few specifics about who would provide what. This welcoming approach towards Zelensky shows that Europe doesn’t support Trump’s peace initiative, raising the risk of more tariffs on Europe.
3: Diplomatic victory of Russia and demoralization of Ukraine
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Kremlin’s foreign ministry, described the Washington meeting as a “complete diplomatic failure of Kyiv.” This diplomatic clash may bring a decrease in US military aid that will embolden Russia more, while Ukraine will be demoralized.
4: American state guarantee becoming questionable
European Foreign Policy chief Keja Kallas stated, “The free world needs a new leader.” This diplomatic clash questioned the American state guarantee. Does the guarantee by the erstwhile American president have no value for the sitting administrator? Will the American state no longer be a state but the kingdom of every new president?
5: Global strengthening of Right-wing ideology
Scolding a democratic leader and showing affection towards a dictator marks the strengthening of global right-wing ideology. Trump’s move is purely nationalistic, based on right-wing ideology, that there is no security guarantee without compensation from Ukraine.
6: Lesson for the world that “self-help” is the ultimate guiding policy
This diplomatic clash is a realpolitik move. It highlights that state interests are the ultimate guide for the foreign policy of any nation. It urges the need for self-sufficiency for every nation, especially for developing states.
Conclusion
The recent meeting between Trump and Zelensky, which came forward in the form of a public showdown, became historic, sparking a debate over American foreign policy. Scolding a democratic leader while supporting a dictator, Trump not only emboldened Russia but also witnessed the rise of far-rightism. European leaders’ support for Ukraine has widened the trans-Atlantic division. It has also increased the risk of an aggressive tariff war between America and Europe. Berating of Zelensky and refusal of any security guarantee also highlight the decreasing validity of the American state guarantee. The ceasefire between the two warring states should be mutually negotiated instead of an imposed deal, as the White House was trying in its recent meeting.
