Europe Faces Moment of Truth as Trump Abandons Ukraine and Sides with Russia

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The former French Prime Minister, Dominique de Villepin, has made a stark warning that the US is no longer an ally of Europe, but has instead joined Russia and China as an illiberal superpower. De Villepin, who famously opposed the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, believes that Europe must now unite behind liberal democracy and fill the vacuum left by the Trump administration. He argues that the US will not prosper in the disordered world it is creating, as it will become completely isolated. De Villepin's comments come as European leaders scramble to adjust to the new world order, with Trump alienating America's oldest allies at an alarming speed.

De Villepin's three-point plan for a more assertive and independent Europe includes developing a common defence pact, increasing investment in innovation and tech, and strengthening Franco-British collaboration on defence and security issues. He believes that Europe must take its destiny into its own hands and stop believing in illusions, as Trump is abandoning Ukraine and wants a weaker EU. De Villepin's warnings are echoed by former French President François Hollande, who said that the Trump administration is "no longer an ally" of Europe and is instead consorting with adversaries. Hollande argues that Trump's decision to call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a dictator and his plans to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin signal a potential "divorce" between Europe and the US.

The situation in Ukraine is a major point of contention, with the US voting against a UN resolution condemning Russia's invasion. De Villepin believes that Europe must provide clear security guarantees to Ukraine in the event of a treaty and ceasefire, and that European leaders must be willing to put boots on the ground to protect against a future Russian attack. He also argues that the US will not prosper in the long term, as its authoritarian turn will lead to mass protests and a decline in its global influence. De Villepin predicts that Trump will become a toxic brand in Europe, and that European nationalists will soon realize that their ideology is linked to Trump's Maga movement.

As the situation in Europe continues to unfold, it is clear that the continent is facing a moment of truth. With the US no longer a reliable ally, European leaders must come together to defend their values and interests. De Villepin's plan for a more assertive and independent Europe is a step in the right direction, but it will require courage and determination from European leaders to make it a reality. The consequences of failure could be severe, with the rise of illiberal superpowers and the decline of liberal democracy. However, if Europe can unite behind a common purpose, it may be able to create a brighter future for itself and for the world.

The list of key events and policies that have led to the current situation includes: * The US voting against a UN resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine * Trump's decision to call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a dictator * The US plans to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin * The decline of liberal democracy in the US and the rise of authoritarianism * The need for European leaders to come together to defend their values and interests * The importance of developing a common defence pact and increasing investment in innovation and tech * The need for clear security guarantees to Ukraine in the event of a treaty and ceasefire * The potential for mass protests in the US and the decline of its global influence * The rise of illiberal superpowers and the decline of liberal democracy * The importance of European sovereignty and independence in the face of US abandonment.