Europe’s Opportunity in Disruption: A Baltic Perspective
United States (US) President Donald Trump’s second term in office is already sending shockwaves throughout Europe. A tense February 2025 meeting in the Oval Office with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly spiralled into a confrontation, underscoring a deepening transatlantic rift over the future of support for Ukraine in its war against Russia; Trump told the Ukrainian leader that he was “gambling with World War III.” At the same time, he repeatedly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him a “genius.” Trump also cast doubt on NATO commitments and warned that America would defend allies “only if they pay enough for their own defence.”