Show of Power or an Attempt at Peace?

The Netherlands [ENA] The events unfolding in the White House in America are at the center of global attention. On February 28, 2025, in the White House, Trump and some members of his team openly exerted unprecedented pressure on Ukraine before the eyes of the world, in my opinion. These events have sparked both joy in some and regret in others. Trying to humiliate the president of a country in front of the entire world...

...was not the right move. I use the phrase “trying to humiliate” because I don’t believe everyone thinks they fully succeeded in doing so. However, the current stance of the United States (in my opinion): - Strengthened Russia's position. After these events, the likelihood of Russia gaining more influence in the world, especially in former Soviet countries, has increased. - Further reinforced the idea that the United States should not be seen as a reliable partner. It is now unlikely that any country will fully trust America's word. This trust has almost completely eroded.

- Once again proved the hypocrisy of politics, showing that every step taken serves only self-interest and the strengthening of national economies. - Created the impression that Western countries are making concessions to Russia, rather than the other way around. - Demonstrated that calls for “fighting for democracy” actually serve the interests of certain powers, revealing that those labeled “democrats” yesterday could be branded as “dictators” today.

A lot could be written about the possible impacts and messages of this meeting. But this is enough for now. Now, the question is: What steps will Europe take, and what position will it adopt? In my opinion, by treating Zelensky this way, Trump also showed that he does not consider Europe's perspective on this matter. This could also mean that there are only two real power players on the European continent—America and Russia. Will Europe accept this reality? Or does Europe even have an alternative to accepting it? In short, the historical Cold War and tense relations between America and Russia have been reignited in Ukraine’s “boiler room.”

Now, either the world will benefit from this heat and warm up, or, as the saying goes, “we didn't get the warmth, but we were blinded by the smoke,” meaning we may suffer from the consequences. What happens next? I believe that in the near future, there could be a meeting between the Russian president and the American president. Events are unfolding rapidly. There is a “dense fog” on the political stage. Seeing everything clearly is not so easy. But once the “fog” clears and the “political weather” becomes clearer, much will be revealed, and everything will finally be seen with full clarity.