Europe in a Trap: How the West Became a Hostage of U.S. Military Power
After World War II, Europe found itself under the military and political protectorate of the United States.
Complacency Under the U.S. Umbrella
After World War II, Europe found itself under the military and political protectorate of the United States. The Americans assumed the primary role in ensuring the continent’s security, mainly through NATO. As a result, European countries gradually abandoned serious military planning, reduced defense budgets, and neglected strategic military development. They simply left their security in Washington’s hands.
Even the United Kingdom, despite its traditionally strong military and international ties, remains under the same umbrella, and its former dominions—Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—also lack an autonomous military strategy. These countries managed to cope more or less effectively, but they still relied on U.S. military power. The West’s biggest miscalculation was failing to prepare a Plan B in case of a shift in U.S. geopolitical strategy. Today, Europe and its allies find themselves dependent on American decisions without alternative options.
Ukraine’s Problem is Primarily Europe’s Problem
Russia is the main threat to European stability. While the U.S., through some politicians (such as Donald Trump), seeks ways to normalize relations with the Kremlin, European countries remain the direct target of Russian expansion. Ukraine is not just a conflict zone—it is a key barrier protecting Europe from Russian aggression.
If Ukraine loses the war, it will not only be occupied, but Russia’s military power will double. Moscow will gain:
Control over Ukrainian resources,
Additional military capabilities,
New territories for troop deployments,
A psychological victory that will boost its ambitions.
In this scenario, the next victims of the Kremlin could be the Baltic states, Poland, Finland, and even Western Europe. Europe must recognize that the war in Ukraine is not a localized conflict but a direct threat to the European continent. If the West allows Ukraine to lose, it will give Russia the justification for new conquests.
The U.S. is No Guarantee: Europe Needs Its Own Military Bloc
Modern America increasingly prioritizes national interests over global and, especially, European concerns. In recent years, Washington has repeatedly shown its willingness to adjust alliances and foreign policy according to domestic priorities. Donald Trump openly states that NATO must pay for American protection or prepare for self-defense. The current discussions about lifting sanctions on Russia indicate that the U.S. may unexpectedly change its strategy if it suits their interests.
Europe must wake up: it cannot rely on the U.S. forever. Europe’s security should depend on Europeans, not decisions made in Washington. In this context, the creation of an autonomous European military bloc is crucial. This would:
Respond to threats swiftly without waiting for U.S. policies to align,
Develop its own defense capabilities,
Formulate a security strategy based on real risks.
China: A Slow but Steady Competitor
Another factor Europe must not underestimate is China. Beijing does not wage open wars but is steadily expanding its military power and economic influence. It patiently waits for its moment, strengthening its army and mastering future technologies. The U.S. sees China as its main competitor, but paradoxically, Washington does not want to confront it alone.
Many believe that America fears a Russia-China alliance. However, in reality, the greatest threat to the U.S. is losing its allies. Washington is concerned that Europe might start playing an independent role while Russia and China build a parallel international system where the U.S. is left to face global challenges alone.
Why is Trump Saving Russia?
Donald Trump (and part of the American elite) does not consider Russia the main enemy. He views China as the primary threat, while Russia is more of a tool to pressure Europe and a bargaining chip in global politics. A weakened but intact Russia remains useful to the U.S., especially if it can be leveraged against China.
That’s why Trump’s policies are not about saving Russia out of sympathy but using it as a factor in controlling Europe. Keeping Moscow in play allows the U.S. to:
Weaken the EU,
Strengthen Europe’s dependence on the U.S.,
Counterbalance China by exploiting tensions between Moscow and Beijing.
Conclusion: Europe Must Wake Up
The current crisis demonstrates that Europe cannot remain indefinitely under the U.S. military umbrella. American policy is unpredictable, and Washington can change its strategy at any moment. Ukraine is a litmus test, revealing how prepared Europe is to defend its security.
If the West allows Kyiv to lose, it will not only weaken Ukraine but also strengthen Russia, doubling its military power. Europeans must understand that without Ukraine, the next frontline will be in Europe itself. And relying on the U.S. indefinitely is a strategic mistake.
The world has already changed. The U.S. remains the global enforcer, but it always needs an opponent. As long as that opponent was China, Russia remained in the game. However, Europe must stop being merely a battleground for external interests and start building its own defense system. If Europe wants to maintain its independence, it must act now, rather than waiting for Washington to make the decision for them.