IN order to break a deal with Russia over its war with Ukraine, Donald Trump`s apparently radical moves have raised alarms, particularly in European policy circles and among political commentators across the globe. Many in the West have criticised Trump`s rather narrow financial vision of focussing solely on the `cost side of the equation` than the `value in terms of international power`.

While Trump is getting all the stick, the fact remains that the sentiment favouring getting closer to Russia in global power politics was already there among the ruling elite in the United States. In fact, it was a preferable option even prior to the second rise of Trump. Multiple statements are there that were made in the pastby top position holdersin the US ruling circles who recommended the US to get closer to Russia, and to not let it become an ally or source of China`s expansion.

In other words, it was a call to remix and reuse Henry Kissinger`s policy towards China; this time by forming a closer relationship with Russia. When Kissinger himself was alive, he had also favoured a deal with Russia over its war on Ukraine, and, much like Trump, he was criticised by many in Europe and in Ukraine at the time.

Trump`s move to get closer to Russia has also given impetus to voices in Europe that are calling for the swift rise in military budgets across Europe. However, the question remains, and it is not a tricky one: from whom will Europe buy its weaponry? Obviously, from the US, if not China.

This is the key to Trump`s financial side of the equation, as he expects European money, too. Additionally, European weaponry will no doubt enhance its deterrence against Russia.

The third and most conclusive point about the larger policy of both the European powers (good cop for Ukrainians right now against the US as the bad cop)and the US is that they are trying to project power amid their rivalry against China.

But they are doing it at a cost that many consider insane. The truth is that the Ukrainians do not matter anymore for those whose ultimate aim is pursuit of power and extension of national interest.

Zeeshan Naeem Lahore