France, Turkey vie for leadership in Europe’s 'new era', creating opportunities for Ukraine

The author of the Resurgam Telegram channel discussed the issue.

French President Emmanuel Macron has declared the start of a 'new era' following America’s strategic retreat, urging Europe to forge its own security framework. Meanwhile, Turkey has signaled its willingness to be part of any new European defense architecture, reflecting its broader ambitions for regional influence.

In Washington, reports suggest that President Donald Trump is considering changes to NATO, including withdrawing the U.S. from its obligation to defend allies in case of an attack. This shift has prompted France to accelerate discussions on European nuclear autonomy, with a growing consensus among French political leaders that the U.S. is an unreliable partner.

Turkey, too, has faced repeated clashes with the U.S. over its strategic goals, particularly in the Middle East. Given Ankara’s ongoing efforts to establish regional leadership, an alliance with France—despite past tensions—could offer a balanced alternative. A potential security pact between Paris, Kyiv, and Ankara, uniting three of Europe’s strongest militaries, is now under discussion, with speculation that the UK, Germany, and Baltic states might consider joining.

With traditional security guarantees in question, European nations, including Ukraine, may have no choice but to forge new defense alliances on their own terms.