Growing strains between the United States and its European allies are fueling concerns about global security, as Russian state media openly suggests Europe could be vulnerable without firm U.S. backing.
Tensions have intensified amid repeated criticism of NATO by Donald Trump, who has questioned whether alliance members would defend the United States in a crisis. Speaking to Associated Press, Trump said NATO is “only as good as we are,” comments that unsettled European leaders reliant on the alliance’s mutual-defense pledge.
At the World Economic Forum, Trump again cast doubt on allied commitments and revived a controversial proposal involving Greenland, adding to friction across the Atlantic. His remarks on NATO’s role in Afghanistan also drew backlash, particularly from the UK, where leaders cited verified casualty data contradicting his claims.
Russian state television has seized on the discord. Prominent Kremlin-aligned host Vladimir Solovyov claimed Moscow could act militarily in Europe without fear of U.S. retaliation, portraying Western divisions as a strategic opening and blaming continued support for Ukraine for escalating tensions.
Analysts warn that public doubts about alliance unity risk emboldening adversaries at a time when diplomatic clarity and cohesion are critical to global stability.
