Transatlantic Alliance Under Strain

With the announcement by the United States to withdraw its military support to Ukraine, the post-1945 transatlantic alliance between Europe and the USA appears to be experiencing considerable strain, prompting the NATO countries of Europe to reconsider their future course of action. Although anticipated since Donald J Trump assumed office on 20 January, the US announcement has sent shockwaves across Europe. President Trump has long expressed his frustration with European NATO members for failing to share the burden of maintaining their defense spending. He has also criticised Ukraine and its European allies for engaging in a prolonged, brutal and unwinnable war that has already claimed millions of lives and displaced many more on both sides of the frontline.