The Russian leader Vladimir Putin has long sought to expand his influence in Europe, and with the new American administration taking power, he may finally achieve this, reports Politeka.net.
This is the view of political experts and European politicians.
Back in 2007, at the Munich Security Conference, Putin called for a limitation on U.S. dominance and the establishment of a new balance of power in Europe. At that time, he was unable to realize his plans.
However, by 2025, at the same conference, U.S. officials hinted that Putin could reach his goal. Speeches by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Vice President J.D. Vance raised concerns among conference participants that the new American administration might significantly reduce or even cease its cooperation with Europe, according to Politika.
"Since the beginning of the Cold War in the late 1940s, the Kremlin has dreamed of displacing America from its role as the cornerstone of European security. Putin is undoubtedly smart enough to seize any opportunities that the new administration presents," stated the Vice President of the Carnegie Foundation, Weiss, to reporters.
The presence of American troops in Western Europe has been a foundation of stability since World War II. However, in his speech on February 14, Hegseth warned European leaders that the U.S. may not remain on the continent indefinitely.
At the Munich conference, Vance stated that he currently considers Europe, rather than Russia or China, to be the main adversary.
Natalie Tocci, Director of the Institute of International Relations in Rome, interpreted the U.S. Vice President's words as a direct threat to the European Union. She described this as part of a U.S. strategy aimed at weakening Europe, which she believes includes Ukraine.
However, any rapprochement between Washington and Moscow could quickly evaporate during negotiations regarding Ukraine. They believe that Trump may resolve the issue of a peaceful settlement of the war in Ukraine without the involvement of European leaders.
Europeans, particularly those who view right-wing populist movements as a threat to the EU, are worried about this situation, especially due to the growing support for Trump and Putin.
"We are currently in the most vulnerable position. If you ultimately aim to dismantle this project (the European Union), now is the perfect time for that," Tocci noted.
Source: The New York Times.