Putin is thrilled with Trump
In a shift that has sparked concern across European capitals, the United States unveiled its new National Security Strategy in December 2025. According to The Guardian, the strategy document has notably diverged from previous affirmations of the transatlantic alliance. It characterizes Europe primarily as a challenge rather than a partner, citing issues such as "civilizational erasure," the impacts of mass migration, demographic challenges, political censorship, and a diminishing sense of identity within European societies.
"A gift for Putin"
This criticism of Europe, combined with Trump’s personal public attacks on European leaders, does more than strain relations: it plays directly into Moscow’s hands. As one analysis by CNN bluntly puts it, the deepening rift between Washington and its European allies is “a gift for Putin.”
A big change in priorities
The Washington Post highlights that the 2025 National Security Strategy marks a radical departure, not just in tone but in priorities. The United States under Trump now vows to re-orient its global presence toward the Americas, reviving what the administration calls a “Monroe Doctrine-style” approach for the Western Hemisphere.
Not reliable allies?
Europe, meanwhile, is cast in far harsher terms. According to Defense News, the strategy accuses European governments of allowing declining birth rates, limiting free speech, suppressing political opposition, and pursuing migration policies that undermine social cohesion, all of which, it argues, weaken their long-term reliability as U.S. allies.
Endorsing "patriotic European parties"
Moreover, the document explicitly endorses “patriotic European parties” as “political allies,” which sounds much like an open invitation to far-right, nationalist forces across the continent.
Russia no longer appears to be a principal adversary
This is not just a rhetorical shift: it signals a strategic recalibration. Where previous U.S. strategy would treat Russia as a principal adversary, the 2025 document relatively de-emphasizes Russia and even suggests pressing European governments to accept a rapid settlement in Ukraine and re-establish “strategic stability” with Moscow.
Trump's view on Europe: "weak" and "decaying"
In an interview with Politico on December 9 regarding the strategy’s release, Trump did not hold back. He described Europe as “weak” and “decaying,” blaming its perceived decline on immigration and a political culture overly concerned with being “politically correct.” He warned that if Europe “keeps going the way it’s going, many countries … will not be viable countries longer.
Trump said Zelensky needs to accept he's lost the war
During the Politico interview, President Trump also claimed that Russia has the “upper hand” in its war on Ukraine and added that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky needed to “start accepting things” regarding what Trump believes Ukraine needs to give up to end the conflict. “He’s going to have to get on the ball and start accepting things, you know, when you’re losing,” Trump said.
Dangerous comments
Comments like this from a U.S. president don’t just irritate diplomats; they weaken trust in Europe’s institutions at a time when political and military unity is especially important.
Kremlin spokesman says the National Security Strategy is "consistent with our vision"
From Moscow’s perspective, the unraveling of transatlantic unity is like a gift from the gods. In fact, CNN reports that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was pleased with the release of the 2025 National Security Strategy, calling it “consistent with our vision.”
Appealing to Moscow
Peskov elaborated further on December 8, saying: "The nuance we see in the new concept certainly appeals to us. It speaks of the need for dialogue and building constructive, good relations."
European cohesion at risk
Trump's tougher tone toward Europe undermines European cohesion. If many Europeans, including public figures and leaders, begin to question the value of their alliance with the U.S., the sense of shared purpose that underpins collective defence weakens.
A weak Europe will embolden Putin
By presenting Europe as internally divided, weakened, and culturally unstable, the new U.S. posture reduces the perceived cost to Russia of continued aggression. The Washington Post notes that if Europe appears unreliable, unable even to stand together, then Russia’s military adventurism becomes less risky. The fact that the U.S. now prioritizes strategic stability with Russia further validates Moscow’s long-term aspirations.
Trump's words fit in with Kremlin strategy
The Guardian notes that boosting nationalist, anti-immigration, and far-right groups in Europe fits in neatly with the Kremlin’s long-standing strategy of stirring identity politics and division within the Western alliance. It is a well-known tactic Russia has used for years to weaken European unity. As former Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins told Reuters, “the happiest country reading this is Russia.”
High stakes and tough questions
For European leaders, the stakes are high. The transatlantic security system, built on shared values, collective defense, and mutual trust, is under new strain. The possibility that the U.S. might pull back or reduce its commitment forces Europe to confront tough questions: Can it defend itself if it has to? And can the bond between Europe and the U.S. survive the political and ideological rifts made wider by Trump’s approach?
Is Trump trying to manipulate Europe?
Some critics argue that this strategy amounts to outside interference, encouraging far-right movements and reshaping Europe’s politics from afar. For Moscow, though, the advantage is obvious: a Europe that is more divided, less confident, and less focused on standing up to Russian aggression.
Changing Europe's defence strategies
Since coming into office in January 2025, the shift in U.S. policy under Trump has done more than generate diplomatic friction; it has reshaped Europe’s security landscape. By calling Europe a continent in decline, supporting far-right movements, and downplaying the threat from Russia, Washington has left a strategic gap.
Trump's big, beautiful gift for Putin
And for Russian President Vladimir Putin, this is a beautiful thing: a lack of unity among his principal adversaries is a great advantage. In this sense, the Trump-Europe rift is not just a policy blunder for Brussels and NATO: it is a welcome gift for the Kremlin.
