Staff Reports
The final gathering of G7 leaders under Joe Biden turned out to be a classic example of political speculation and, let’s be honest, panic as they pondered how a Trump presidency might shake up foreign relations, particularly concerning the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. With less than two months before Trump’s potential return to the Oval Office, discussions centered on how this wild card could impact the Western alliance’s plans and strategies, leaving leaders scratching their heads and biting their nails.
A whopping one-third of the final document from this elite group was dedicated to reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine. The G7 leaders claimed to strive for a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace” while shaking their fists at Russia, which has always seemed to be the go-to move for international leaders. But with news of Trump’s impending comeback, it seems their resolve might be more of an empty promise than a plan of action, particularly as the potential president-elect has promised to take a different approach to the conflict.
G7 leaders in final meeting under Biden admin ponder return of Trump, threat of an emboldened Russia https://t.co/p3GBs8tnVf
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) November 28, 2024
One can’t help but chuckle at the anxiety emanating from these European leaders regarding Trump’s past camaraderie with Vladimir Putin. Their worries might be founded given Trump’s reputation for turning tables, but perhaps they should remember that the “bromance” was more about dealing from strength than about playing nice. As the world watches, it’s clear that if Trump returns, the dynamics will shift—what that means for global security remains anyone’s guess.
Zelensky’s calls to Trump only add to the intrigue. The Ukraine president, perhaps recognizing the writing on the wall, reached out immediately after Trump’s victory to offer congratulations, eager to stay on Trump’s good side. However, the details of that call remain murky, leading to speculation about whether Trump might soften his tough love approach toward Ukraine. It is no secret that during his campaign, Trump mocked Zelensky for coming to America seeking cash, and one must wonder if this time around, the Ukrainian leader’s charm will be enough to secure lasting support.
On the flip side, some Congressional Republicans still seem keen on backing Ukraine, presumably not because they want to protect democracy but more likely to buffer themselves against any fallout from a Trump administration that might prioritize America’s interests with a new foreign policy lens. This internal party tug-of-war could become a defining characteristic of the next administration’s stance on foreign aid and alliances.
As European leaders nervously glance toward the east, the staggering losses suffered by Russia in this drawn-out conflict might give them a sliver of hope. With estimates of nearly 750,000 Russian troops lost, Europe may breathe a little easier knowing that a weakened Russia is not the same as a confident Russia. However, the long-term impact of this war and a potentially reinvigorated Trump administration could still influence NATO allegiance, turning what was once a staunch alliance into a polite suggestion. It’s a precarious balance, and as Trump prepares to once again enter the political arena, the world awaits with bated breath, popcorn in hand, for the next episode of this geopolitical soap opera.
