Following a tense exchange between Presidents Zelensky and Trump, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and security expert Claudia Major didn’t hold back in their assessment of the U.S. as an ally. Speaking on ARD’s Miosga broadcast, both suggested Europe can no longer rely on Washington, with Major even calling the U.S. a security risk—twice. Baerbock, notably, remained silent on that claim.
Major argued that America is no longer Europe’s protector but rather a liability, claiming the U.S. is emboldening Russia while leaving Europe vulnerable. Baerbock, instead of refuting the statement, admitted she had to “switch off” the Trump-Zelensky press conference because she “couldn’t stand it.”
The Foreign Minister painted a picture of a world at a turning point, where democracies and autocracies are locking horns. She insisted Europe must step up, forge new alliances—possibly even with non-democratic Arab states—and prepare to defend itself if necessary. “If in doubt, we must stand for Europe,” she declared.
Baerbock also suggested that Saudi Arabia and the UAE could be persuaded to join efforts in maintaining stability in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for fresh diplomatic strategies. Meanwhile, Major backed the idea—floated by Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron—of deploying European peacekeeping troops to Ukraine. She stressed that Europe lacks key military capabilities, particularly in air defense, but insisted that deterrence should be pushed “from NATO’s eastern flank into Ukraine.”
With Europe at a crossroads, Baerbock made it clear that simply hoping the U.S. remains a reliable partner is no longer an option. Instead, Europe must prove it has the better offer.
