Research Fellow Sławomir Sierakowski has called for Europe to ‘step up’ following tension between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensk. He believes Europe have what it takes to become world leader
An expert believes that Europe “holds all the cards” to become world leader as he blasted US officials over their “assault” against Ukraine.
Sławomir Sierakowski, Senior Research Fellow, made the remarks following the showdown between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky last week. A discussion between the presidents became heated at the Oval Office on February 28, with disparaging comments made and a huge fallout in the aftermath.
Sierakowski, who is based at the Center for Geopolitics, Geoeconomics, and Technology, has stressed that “Europeans must take our future into our own hands.” He branded Trump and his Vice President’s actions as “shameful” and said that it is time for Europe to step up.
It comes after US Vice President JD Vance accused Zelensky of “needling” Donald Trump and having a “certain sense of entitlement” as the US President paused aid to Ukraine. Speaking about the recent comments from the US officials, the senior researcher said: “Donald Trump and JD Vance’s verbal assault on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office will mark February 28, 2025, as an infamous moment in American and world history.
“The United States is rapidly destroying its good name and alienating everyone except the world’s most brutal dictators. The damage to America’s credibility and reputation will take decades to repair – and may be irreparable.”
He believes the world is “witnessing the collapse of any global authority” and stressed that Europe should take control. He added: “Yes, Europe is not as powerful as the US militarily; but that does not mean it is weak. In fact, it holds all the cards that it needs. Its combined military forces are among the world’s strongest, most experienced, and most innovative. The Oval Office quarrel – which Trump and Vance seemed all too eager to provoke – should be the final impetus for Europe to get its act together after decades of complacency. It has everything it needs to stand on its own, support Ukraine, and deter Russia.”
Explainining why he believes Europe has enough power to take this stance, Sierakowski said: “Europe has a half-billion people and a GDP comparable to the United States. We may not be as innovative, but the gap is not as large as pundits would have you believe. If we forge a coalition with Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, we can close it soon – especially now that Trump, Vance, and Elon Musk are destroying the pillars of US power with their own cultural revolution.”
