Trump believes Europe is independent enough to deal with Russia – diplomat

Diplomat, former foreign minister and ex-ambassador to the UK Vadym Prystaiko said this in an interview with Antin Borkovskyi on Espreso TV.

“I worked in Washington for a long time at our embassy. I understand that the U.S., having left Europe, tried to build a new, ideal world where they would live differently. Of course, they will look back and remember Europe as their historical home. Even Trump — his family once came from what is now Germany — but today’s United States does not see Europe as its natural place of residence or focus of interests. It’s hard for us to accept, because they look like us — English speakers, Christians — but America’s gaze is directed toward the Pacific region,” he said.

Prystaiko added that this is where resources, trade, and their main rival — China — lie.

“So that small percentage of attention they still give to Europe is painful for us, but it is what it is. Sometimes we can remind them emotionally of Europe’s traditions, glory, and military prowess — as the British prime minister and king recently demonstrated to Trump. Compare that to the lackluster parade in Washington; we’ve seen the Chinese parade, we’ve seen the polished British soldiers,” the diplomat stressed.

In his view, this was what Trump lacked to realize that the Old World is still attractive and important.

“But we can only count on as much support as Trump, his party now in power, and the MAGA Republicans are willing to spend on Europe. If we become part of victory, he will be glad, but he still believes Europe is strong enough to handle the Russia issue alone. For us it is existential, but sadly he doesn’t see it that way. He understands that sooner or later he will align with the world’s first or second economy — China. Russia is far behind; its economy doesn’t even reach half the size of Britain’s,” Prystaiko explained.

Essentially, Prystaiko noted, Trump is trying — in a complicated and emotional way — to say: “Guys, take care of this small war in Europe.”

“He still doesn’t grasp that this war could lead to World War III or even a nuclear Armageddon that wipes us all out. He still believes it’s a European problem, despite three years of war. After all, it took Britain three years during WWII before the Americans finally joined,” the former ambassador concluded.