There are sharp differences of opinion between the United States (US) and Western countries, especially the European Union (EU) countries, on the Ukraine issue. In particular, both sides have differing approaches regarding Ukraine's rich natural resources, including rare earth elements.
US President Donald Trump has proposed that, in exchange for the aid given to Ukraine during the war, half of the country’s natural resources be handed over to the United States. These proposals have placed the Ukrainian government in a difficult position and have caused some tensions between the US and the EU.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized the importance of security guarantees in talks with the US and stated that no agreement would be signed without resolving this issue. This situation not only increases Ukraine’s strategic importance but also intensifies the competition between the US and the EU.
The differences over Ukraine's natural resources between the US and the EU have led both sides to reassess their interests and strategic positions in the region.
The main reason for US-EU tension
Ukrainian political expert Aleksandr Kovalenko, in an interview with APA, stated that the root of the rift between the U.S. and EU is not the Ukraine issue.
"The main cause of the conflict between the US and the European Union is not Ukraine. The roots of this conflict go back to Donald Trump's first presidential term. At that time, the main issue was an attempt to force Europe to contribute more to NATO's budget. The goal of the US was for Europe, not the US, to be the main contributor to NATO's funding, meaning European countries should take more responsibility for their security and bear the bulk of the costs. In this context, Donald Trump, of course, did not act with political correctness or diplomacy, but aimed to force Europe to behave in a way that was beneficial to the US. The European Union, in turn, finds this rhetoric completely unacceptable. Overall, Donald Trump's socially maladjusted rhetoric will not yield serious results for him."
"Ukraine will not play the balancing role between the EU and the USA"
According to Kovalenko, Ukraine is currently trying to maintain high-level relations with the United States while also having relatively stable relations with the European Union.
“We do not intend to play a balancing role between Europe and the U.S., as it would be an additional burden for us. We already have many issues to resolve. However, this does not mean that we will sever our ties with any side of this geopolitical confrontation. Ukraine has always tried to establish mutually beneficial, friendly, and understanding relations with all partners. But trying to find common ground with a complex political figure like Donald Trump, to meet Europe’s ambitions, is something that is not feasible. However, the issue of Ukraine has repeatedly come up in the context of both European leaders and the internal relations of the White House,” the expert emphasized.
Which countries will Ukraine prioritize?
“Kyiv will primarily prioritize countries that offer long-term support in the confrontation with Russia. These are mainly European countries. The U.S., especially the Republicans, has shown itself to be an unreliable partner. Yes, it is possible to work with them, but it resembles a casino. Donald Trump himself is a person suited to a casino – everything depends on the stakes. He can establish a good relationship with you, and you might win the jackpot, or conversely – lose everything. Moreover, Ukraine is developing close relations in various directions. We have many partners who support us abroad. Ukraine's main goal is to prioritize countries that are politically stable and will not make surprises,” Kovalenko stated.
Ukrainian expert commenting on the meeting between the US and Russia in Istanbul noted that this will be an ordinary meeting and there will be no significant progress: "Like the meeting held in Saudi Arabia, the main topic here will be 'agreeing to agree.' In other words, the US and Russia will discuss certain issues. It is meaningless to expect concrete results without the participation of key parties like Ukraine and Europe. Such meetings are just preparing the ground for future negotiations. It is unrealistic to think that the Ukraine-Russia conflict will be resolved next week, in two weeks, or in a month. Even though Donald Trump and his entourage have made statements suggesting everything could be resolved quickly, diplomatic tension will continue for at least the next six months. Moreover, Trump's relationship with diplomacy is not good. This will involve a very difficult negotiation process. A complete halt to military operations is not expected. Conflicts will continue with a certain intensity. During this period, events may occur that could affect the negotiations. Therefore, these meetings can only be considered the initial stage. These meetings are not the key to final decisions."
"The US has been in Europe since World War II to prevent Europe from repeating the habit of war."
American journalist and expert Nurit Gringer, in a statement to APA, noted that the United States has maintained its presence in Europe since World War II to prevent the EU from repeating its habit of waging war:
"The US is there to ensure that Europe does not start new wars that lead to human casualties. Europe has naturally accepted the US presence. NATO member states struggle to fulfill their obligations, and there is a belief within the EU that if war breaks out again, the US will step in to help. Europe has failed to ensure the proper governance of the continent, and as a result, it has turned into an internally unstable space."
Calling the era of Joseph Biden, the 46th President of the United States, a politically bad era for Washington, expert Grainger said that Donald Trump was elected to get the country out of a difficult situation.
"Joe Biden has been a disaster for the United States. He has destabilized the country. Donald Trump was elected to undo the damage caused by the Biden administration. It is impossible to say whether all of Trump's actions are right or wrong, but he does not want nations to go to war against each other.
Meanwhile, Russian leader Putin is politically a lunatic with imperial and expansionist ambitions against other countries. He invaded Ukraine without any justification. Now, Putin is doing the same thing again, and EU countries, which are economically dependent on Russia, have no idea what to do.
If President Trump had been in office in 2022, this war would not have started. Trump wants to mediate a fair and lasting peace agreement where neither Russia nor Ukraine loses. We will see the outcome." said an American expert
“The EU must ensure its security”
Nurit Grainger stressed that European countries neighboring Russia must ensure their security: “They should not rely on the US to protect them. Trump has already said that the US will not act as a benefactor without receiving anything in return.”
European countries cannot be expected to recognize the new territorial reality
In a statement to APA, Slovak advisor and foreign policy expert Marian Duris at the European Parliament noted that the conflict between the EU and the US exists on two levels.
"The first level is ideological, as the individuals within the European Commission were more aligned with the previous White House administration. However, today, Donald Trump is in office, and his views contradict the commissioners’ value-based thinking.
The second level is the conflict itself. The European Union has not participated in the meetings between the US and Russia. For example, a meeting is being held in Istanbul today, but without the EU's involvement. We observe that the US is more willing to align its interests with the Russian Federation, whereas European countries cannot be expected to recognize the new territorial realities," he emphasized.
2008: Russia-Georgia War
It is worth recalling that during the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008, although the European Union (EU) and NATO declared their support for Georgia's territorial integrity, no military assistance was provided to Tbilisi. Russia swiftly intervened militarily, forcing Georgian forces to retreat. Although NATO expressed support for Georgia, no steps were taken toward the country’s accession to the North Atlantic Alliance; on the contrary, significant obstacles emerged. While Georgia received political and economic support, this did not change the outcome of the Russia-Georgia conflict.
Similar to the Georgia-Russia war, the EU and NATO’s response to the war in Ukraine has been primarily based on diplomatic and political support, which has not had a significant impact on the course or the final outcome of the war.
Faiq Mahmudov
Lamiya Shirinova
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