Trump and Putin - a new alliance to weaken Europe? | DW News

Europe is in shock just days before the German federal elections. Recent statements by several officials of the Trump administration suggest Germany, Ukraine and the European Union are now on their own, as Trump suddenly recites Vladimir Putin’s talking points.
The war in Ukraine, the economic crisis, and a series of attacks by asylum seekers are unsettling many German voters. Now, the country’s most important ally is turning its back. The US is negotiating directly with Russia, bypassing the Europeans. America is no longer a warrant of safety in the region. At the same time, representatives of the Trump administration are interfering in the electoral process by openly endorsing the partially far-right AfD. On To the Point we ask: " Trump and Putin - a new alliance to weaken Europe?

Our guests:
Rachel Tausendfreund, Senior Research Fellow, German Council on Foreign Relations
Ulrike Herrmann, author and Business Editor at Germany’s daily taz
John Kampfner, author, journalist and foreign affairs specialist.

Chapters
00:00 Trump’s confusing position on Ukraine
02:40 The war in Ukraine hasn’t been a priority in Germany´s election campaigns
03:30 “No going back” in US-Germany relations
04:10 Germany is facing a frightening situation
05:15 Political shockwaves after the Munich Security Conference
07:20 How Germany is trying to isolate the far-right
08:10 Shared values between the AfD and the Trump administration
09:15 How the AfD wants to define who and what the nation is
10:20 Would a coalition with the AfD make Germany and Europe weaker?
11:25 Trump likes to pick on weaker partners
12:35 Does Trump see Putin as an ally?
14:30 The Trans-Atlantic partnership seems to be over
15:40 Everyone is shocked, even in the US
19:30 Trump didn’t deliver on threats during his first term
20:20 What the second Trump term means for US democracy
22:03 “This is Germany’s, Europe’s wake-up moment”
23:30 The goal is for Europe to take responsibility for 70 percent of its security
24:30 Germany will talk about security right after the elections

#trump #putin #europe

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[snoreberry]

In 2008, President Bush calls on Europe to increase defense support of NATO.
In 2014, Obama calls on Europe to raise defense spending and signals that US defense strategy was shifting to the Pacific.
In 2017, Trump makes it clear that he felt many European NATO members were not meeting their obligations.
In 2025, the US administration has made it clear that Europeans need to be responsible for European security.
The writing has been on the wall for a long time.

[timprekaski]

I do want to give DW credit not to turn off the comments like the Canadian news channels do.

[Gunhed]

WTF is "partially far right"?

[SAGAWISIW]

Donald trump warned germany in 2018 in the UN assembly about being too reliant on putin on energy but the german foreign ministered were caught on camera thatvtheybwere laughing ... now it's dooms day..

[kaushlendratripathi]

Sometimes when you watch shows like this sitting in India - it dawns upon you - our democracy is not so bad. Europe seems to emulating more of China with controls on expression and freedom.

[JohnFrancisByrne]

"to keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down. Lord Hastings Ismay, the first Secretary General of NATO.

[eugenchetvergov]

It's boring to watch them all agree. Germany has the weakest chancellor and the weakest position ever—hardly a pillar of Europe. He’s been silent his entire time in office. Without strong leadership, European countries just wait for each other to take charge. At least invite a guest with a different opinion!

[Oneofakind]

My theory: Putin will get Ukraine if he helps Trump take Greenland. What a world…

[rosshilton]

Rachel, just remind me, when did Russia have an election and when did Ukraine?

[Philhou]

AfD needs to be there to defend themselves - get the real facts

[phototrek]

America has no obligation to keep paying for Europe's defense FOREVER.

[knockout]

"Partially far right" 😂. It is evident that J-D Vance's talk about "freedom of speech" made an impact.

[warringtribes]

Europe's importance started declining the day it decided to become extension of the US, especially after 1990s.

[ScottFarrell-tblj]

Europe openly endorsed Biden what is the difference.

[primal]

Europe needs to be responsible for it's own defense

[jlrobe]

American here. Europe, this is your moment. You've earned it. Rise up, and take it!

[danielfatfingahs]

No one wants Russia to dominate Europe but Europe needs to change their governmental structures to shore up a receding American security presence. The 🇺🇸 held the line for 80 years.

[LookingSwap]

Let Europe fly on it's own without daddy America for once. Will be a good thing for them.

[olegalmaty]

Victoria Nuland started the war in 2014.

[hrushikeshamohanty]

Remember the past, Europe once colonised the whole world ...