2 weeks Ago
Mattie McGrath’s invocation to “let the dog see the rabbit” is finally about to be granted as Taoiseach Simon Harris dissolves the Dáil and an election campaign begins. But it is the fallout from the one across the Atlantic that is concentrating hearts and minds in Europe. If many feared what a Trump triumph might bring, for Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky such fears are of a different order.
A game-changer in Washington’s approach to foreign relations is predicted, with grave implications for Kyiv. Trump’s assertion that he could end the war between Russia and Ukraine “in a day” will have caused Mr Zelensky sleepless nights. Trump’s former security advisers have reportedly said the US needs to continue supplying weapons to Ukraine, but the proviso is that Kyiv must enter peace talks with Russia.
As a sop to Moscow for entering negotiations, the West would agree to stall Ukraine’s entry to Nato. Mr Trump has long been an advocate of accommodation with Russia. But it is understandable that Ukrainians fighting for survival are not suffused with a warm glow at the prospect of becoming a bargaining chip should Trump attempt to exemplify the art of the deal in any talks with the Kremlin.
US backing for Nato’s “all for one” approach – in place, pretty much, since 1949 – could also end under a radical America First agenda. The bloc has absorbed many shocks, and its strength lies in its unity Speaking at an EU summit in Budapest, Mr Zelensky told leaders his country would decide what terms might be agreeable to end the war Russia started. Concessions to Vladimir Putin would be unacceptable for his country, but “suicidal” for Europe, he warned.
The meeting of European leaders was intended to project solidarity and strength, but there was no hiding the nervousness that has heralded the second coming of Trump. As well as the prevailing security threats, Europe must also contend with Trump’s promises of a hard isolationist approach. A high tariff wall and a much more competitive corporate tax rate in the US can only have a chilling effect on investment here and across the EU.
The 40 European allies who attended the summit have been put on notice that a Trump administration will not defend them unless they spend more on their own defence. And with the coalition unravelling in Germany and a fragile government clinging on in France, agreement on vital but complex issues will be a challenge Putin will be keenly watching for signs of weakness. When asked about Kamala Harris’s warning that Putin would eat Trump for lunch, his spokesman chuckled: “Putin does not eat people.
” But none seemed greatly reassured. The bloc has absorbed many shocks, and its strength lies in its unity. Speaking at the meeting, Simon Harris said the EU has, after all, worked with Trump before.
Yet no one was suggesting the “fasten your seatbelt” signs should be turned off..
