Trump-Zelensky Clash
— The heated Oval Office clash between Zelensky and Trump has unified Ukrainians, exposing shifting U.S. policy under Trump. With U.S. support wavering, Ukraine increasingly turns to Europe for backing.
War in Ukraine
On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, which began in 2014.
Trump-Zelensky Clash
— Ukrainian President Zelensky’s White House visit erupted into a heated clash with Trump, highlighting deep US-Ukraine divisions over a rare earth minerals deal. Despite tensions, negotiations remain crucial for Ukraine’s future leverage.
War in Ukraine
— Trump’s presidency shifts U.S. foreign policy, sidelining Ukraine and Europe. His administration signals retreat from NATO commitments, while Russia refuses European peacekeepers. Europe faces tough choices amid worsening transatlantic divisions.
Trump-Zelensky Clash
— A fiery Oval Office clash between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky led to a diplomatic rift, with Europe rallying behind Ukraine as the U.S. considers halting military aid, reshaping transatlantic alliances.
2025 German Elections
— Germany’s economy is stagnating, with recession, high inflation, and low productivity growth driving voter concerns ahead of the election. Energy costs, weak labour supply, and sluggish investment hinder recovery.
War in Ukraine
— As Ukraine’s war nears its third anniversary, Western support is crumbling. Donald Trump’s abrupt policy shift leaves Europe scrambling, while Russia gains the upper hand. With diplomacy stalled, bloodier battles loom.
UK Defence
— Britain lacks the military capability for a prolonged conflict, yet Keir Starmer has proposed deploying troops to Ukraine. However, years of defence cuts have left the UK unable to deter aggression, despite NATO’s growing security concerns.
European Security
— European leaders face a seismic shift as US support wanes. Trump’s unilateralism, Ukraine war talks excluding Europe, and efforts to divide the EU demand urgent European unity to safeguard security and sovereignty.
Belarus
— Belarus’ Alexander Lukashenko seeks a seventh term in 2025, solidifying his authoritarian rule. His Russia-aligned regime fuels regional tensions, suppresses freedoms, aids Moscow’s military, and weaponises NATO borders, deepening global instability.
US Politics
— Donald Trump’s unpredictability, as demonstrated during his first presidency, leaves global leaders uncertain about his potential actions in his second mandate. His approach mirrors game theory’s “chicken game,” where risk-taking can deter adversaries.
UK Foreign Policy
— The UK government’s foreign policy in 2025 will focus on Ukraine, the Middle East, EU relations, Trump’s presidency, and defining “progressive realism”. Challenges include conflicts, alliances, and economic considerations.
Ukraine
— Kyiv’s termination of Russia’s gas transit to Europe ends a historic energy dependency, symbolising Europe’s energy resilience. Russia now faces economic losses, but Moldova and Transnistria confront severe energy crises and instability too.
War in Ukraine
— Donald Trump’s invitation to Xi Jinping for his inauguration aims to involve China in Ukraine peace talks, but Beijing’s interests likely align with prolonging the conflict, favouring its geopolitical dominance.
War in Ukraine
— Donald Trump’s reelection raises questions about his pledge to end the Ukraine War. Europe must prepare for reduced U.S. support, while Ukraine faces difficult choices to secure sovereignty and stability.
2024 US Presidential Election
— Donald Trump’s pick of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as running mate could shift US focus from Europe to China, sparking European fears of diminished American support. Vance’s stance might weaken transatlantic security ties.
Disinformation
— Canada faces challenges in countering foreign disinformation, particularly from Russia. Efforts include blocking Russian media and improving internal resilience, but inconsistent policies and potential backfires complicate the issue.
