In a surprising turn of events, Russia has expressed support for Donald Trump's recently unveiled US National Security Strategy, suggesting that its contents align closely with Moscow's vision. The 33-page document, which was released by the US administration last week, posits that Europe is facing a threat of civilizational erasure and notably does not categorize Russia as a direct threat to the United States.
The new strategy outlines several key priorities, including combatting foreign influence, addressing mass migration, and rejecting what it perceives as the European Union's practice of censorship. Despite these assertions, numerous EU officials and analysts have voiced their concerns, questioning the strategy's emphasis on freedom of expression and drawing parallels to the rhetoric typically employed by the Kremlin.
In an interview published by Russia's state news agency TASS, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked that the adjustments reflected in the strategy are "largely consistent with our vision." Peskov deemed this a positive development, although he noted that Moscow would continue to scrutinize the document before making definitive conclusions.
The strategy adopts more lenient language towards Russia, which raises alarms among EU officials who fear it may undermine the West's response to Moscow amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The document criticizes the EU for obstructing US efforts to resolve the war, asserting that the US must restore strategic stability with Russia to bolster European economies.
Moreover, the strategy advocates for a reorientation of US policy to actively resist the current trajectory of Europe, emphasizing the need for a revival of Western identity. It warns that Europe could become unrecognizable within two decades, citing economic challenges that pale in comparison to the looming threat of civilizational erasure. The report questions whether certain European nations will possess the economic and military strength necessary to remain reliable allies.
In a notable contrast, the document lauds the rise of patriotic European parties and encourages America’s political allies in Europe to support this resurgence. As the EU continues negotiations with the Trump administration to establish a peace deal regarding Ukraine, some officials have reiterated their commitment to the longstanding relationship with the US, while expressing skepticism about the strategy's broader implications.
German Foreign Minister Wadephul emphasized that the NATO alliance must prioritize security policy issues, arguing that concerns about freedom of expression and societal organization do not belong in the strategy. In a social media post directed at his American counterparts, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk asserted that Europe stands as the US's closest ally rather than a problem, highlighting shared adversaries as the foundation for mutual security.
Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt critiqued the document, claiming it positions itself further to the right than even the extreme right. This shift has been mirrored by the US's growing ties with Germany's far-right AfD party, which has drawn scrutiny from German intelligence agencies.
Manifesting a clear America First agenda, the strategy outlines intentions to target alleged drug trafficking operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, with potential military actions in Venezuela. Furthermore, it calls for heightened defense spending from allies such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Taiwan.
Democratic representatives in Congress have raised alarms that this new strategy could jeopardize America's foreign relations. Representative Jason Crow from Colorado described the strategy as "catastrophic" to the United States' standing globally, while New York Representative Gregory Meeks criticized it for undermining decades of value-based US leadership.