European Concerns: Greece’s Leader on America’s Ukraine Policy
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged Europe to “wake up” and develop its own defense policy in response to recent shifts in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump. This call comes after President Trump labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy a “dictator” and suggested that Kyiv initiated the ongoing war with Russia. Additionally, the U.S. has engaged in peace talks with Russia, excluding Ukraine and its European allies, a move that has unsettled European leaders.
Addressing a business conference in Thessaloniki, Mitsotakis emphasized the need for Europe to emerge from its “geopolitical and economic lethargy” and swiftly implement long-discussed defense initiatives. He highlighted the importance of Europe establishing its own deterrent capabilities to reduce reliance on the United States.
This sentiment is echoed by other European leaders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called for the formation of a “European army,” asserting that Ukraine and Europe should not accept agreements made without their involvement.
In response to these developments, European nations have formed the “Weimar+” alliance, expanding the original Weimar Triangle (France, Germany, and Poland) to include the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and the European Commission. This coalition aims to promote European sovereignty and reduce dependence on U.S. geopolitical influence, especially concerning support for Ukraine.