Now, the "divorce is inevitable," the publication adds.
"Divorce" between the US and Europe is becoming inevitable, Western media reports. Against this backdrop, leaders of several European governments are contemplating the creation of a military alliance that could serve as an alternative to NATO without Washington, but with the participation of Kyiv. Meanwhile, experts point out that although technically it is not difficult to implement the idea, in practice it becomes almost an impossible task.
"Like in many deteriorating relationships, since Donald Trump returned to the White House, this is a story of quarrels, unspoken disagreements, and attempts to maintain the appearance of well-being in public," Politico describes the current relations between the US and Europe. Now, the "divorce is inevitable," the publication adds.
In this context, leaders of European countries have intensified their interactions. The Prime Ministers of the UK and Italy, Keir Starmer and Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Presidents of Finland and France, Alexander Stubb and Emmanuel Macron, who visited the White House last August along with Volodymyr Zelensky, have formed an "informal but active" community.
They discuss a significant number of issues in personal or group chats. "This 'Coalition of the Willing' was initially focused on Ukraine issues," said one diplomat. "But it has created very close ties between some key individuals in the capitals. They have built trust and the ability to cooperate. They know each other by name, and it is easy for them to connect and send messages."
Now, according to the publication, the group is discussing the possibility of creating a military alliance that could serve as an alternative to NATO without US involvement. The new agreement does not exclude cooperation with Washington. Zelensky has already expressed his desire to join the coalition.
"If we take into account the military potential of Ukraine, as well as the power of France, Germany, Poland, and Britain, the potential armed strength of the 'Coalition of the Willing' would be enormous," analysts at Politico believe. The impetus for such plans has largely been Donald Trump's claims on Greenland. The US President has repeatedly stated the need to take control of the island's territory, believing that otherwise it would be "taken" by Russia or China.
Meanwhile, on Monday, Trump stated that Europe should now focus on the conflict in Ukraine, not on Greenland. He also refused to comment on the likelihood of a forceful annexation of the island, noting that he is 100% ready to impose tariffs on Europeans if they do not agree to a deal, NBC reports.
Regardless, experts doubt the Europeans' ability to create a truly effective alternative to NATO. However, the likelihood that they will attempt to implement this idea is assessed as high.
"Europe will try to become an independent actor on the international stage, but the path to this goal will be long. It will take decades, which the Europeans simply do not have," said German expert Alexander Rahr.
