Politico: Europe feels "whiplash" from Trump’s sudden Ukraine policy reversal

European allies of Ukraine have finally heard a tough message directed at Russia from U.S. President Donald Trump — the kind of statement they had long awaited. Yet, skepticism persists.

According to Politico, citing multiple sources, officials across Europe are feeling whiplash from the recent shifts in Washington’s political stance and remain confused about who is actually directing Pentagon policy. 

As a result, they are preparing for a range of possible scenarios, believing that Trump’s strategy on Ukraine "appears to change on a whim."

“Nothing surprises anymore; we have to be ready for anything,” said a diplomat from a NATO country who requested anonymity.

A European official told Politico that many on the continent are struggling to make sense of developments within the U.S. administration, noting that “Trump has started to sound more consistent in his support for Ukraine,” while his Pentagon leadership seems to be taking a different approach.

European officials have also voiced concerns about what they see as a lack of coordination within the U.S. government when it comes to the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

Adding to the unease is the ongoing review of America’s military strategy being led by Elbridge Colby, the U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary for Policy. The review is expected to be completed by August and could result in a partial withdrawal of U.S. troops from Europe — a move that many fear would weaken the continent’s defense capabilities.

Politico reports that its European sources are unaware of any ongoing communication between their governments and Colby’s office regarding the review, leaving key U.S. allies such as Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom — all hosts of major American military deployments — “in the dark about their future.”

By Khagan Isayev