Trump’s first 100 days: what it means for Ukraine and Europe

The key word of this period is uncertainty. And in the history of wars, this is not just a term. It is a factor that can either stop the war or escalate it.

First. The U.S. has no clear plan.

The president, vice president, advisors — each expresses themselves differently. The tone is set not by strategy, but by mood. Sometimes — by tweets. The answer to the simple question "Do you consider Zelenskyy a dictator?" depends not on facts, but on the situation. In such an atmosphere, U.S. negotiations are more like improvisation. This leaves room for maneuver for both Putin and Ukraine’s diplomacy. One is trying to use the uncertainty to provoke disappointment among allies, while the other is trying to mobilize even more support.

Second. Europe is waking up.

The future Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, put it simply: "This is a war not just against Ukraine, but against Europe."

Trump forced Europeans to do what they had avoided for years: take responsibility for their own security. Because if America turns away, what then?

Vice President Vance’s speech in Munich, internal scandals in the White House — all of this showed that security guarantees could be temporary. And Europe responded. Increased defense budgets, joint weapons production, plans to create a new security system — now all of this is not just rhetoric, but reality. And at the center of this architecture is Ukraine.

Third. A new bloc is forming.

NATO is an important structure. But even General Zaluzhnyi openly admitted: Article 5 of the pact does not work in practice.

A new security belt is forming. The coalition of the willing, ReArm Europe, France's initiatives, the unification of northern countries — all these are the first steps. Steps toward a system where decisions will not depend on the will of a single American president, and where the veto of pro-Russian governments will not block the defense of European space.

Are there other important trends? Certainly.

The tariff war that hit Ukraine’s allies. Energy and raw material deals that prioritize commercial gain over values. And even Putin’s attempts to "befriend" Trump — against the backdrop of continued killings of Ukrainians and the destruction of our cities.

But the main thing is — we’ve endured. And even more: we have become the heart of a new European security policy. The uncertainty created by the American administration paradoxically mobilized our partners. And the slogan "Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine" has already expanded to a broader one: "Nothing about Europe and Ukraine — without Europe and Ukraine."

Because today we are not just in Europe. We are — Europe.

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About the author. Mykola Kniazhytskyi, journalist, Member of the Ukrainian Parliament

The editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed by blog or column authors.