Ukrainian President Zelensky was lured into a trap - a real ambush was set up for him in the White House. Let this be a lesson to Europe. Because the new US leadership does not stop at mafia methods, writes Rebecca Barth.
At last, Ukraine, as well as the whole world, have found out who they are dealing with in the White House. Europe should take a very close look, because what happened yesterday to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could happen to any European head of state or government, writes ARD.
The clash between Zelensky, US President Donald Trump and his Vice President J.D. Vance was not a spontaneous press conference that somehow accidentally got out of control. This was an orchestrated humiliation, an ambush that the Ukrainian president - emotional as he is - fell into. Because it was mainly Vice President Vance who was berating Zelensky as if he were some weak student. Something like this does not happen spontaneously - not to J.D. Vance.
The scandal affects all of Europe
Now Zelensky will have to face the question of whether his behavior was reasonable. He will have to ask himself whether his entire trip to Washington was reasonable. But the criticism of Zelensky actually bypasses the essence of the problem - because the scandal in the White House was as catastrophic as it was instructive. And it affects not only Ukraine, but all of Europe, notes ARD.
One thing has become much clearer than before: the American leadership under Trump is ready to put pressure even on its allies - and with mafia methods. If you don't do what I tell you, I'll abandon you. Trump systematically and brutally exploits the existing dependencies and the balance of power. Empathy and values play no role. Trump is not interested in either Ukraine or Europe, the German public-law media outlet points out.
Europe must face reality
Europe must face this reality and act accordingly - anything else would be frivolous. A Trump presidency could have catastrophic consequences for Ukraine. The country can expect that the US will no longer provide assistance - that is, an end to money, weapons, humanitarian aid, intelligence information.
But Europe must also bear this in mind - because the balance of power is the same. Without the US, Europe would be in a much worse position militarily against the Russian army. And without American intelligence, it would be utterly helpless.
Trump doesn't care about Europe
This must change through major investments and a change in mentality, writes ARD. And until then, time must be bought by making efforts to win Trump's favor and flatter his ego, which is much more important to him than any values or international law.
Europe must not make the same mistake it made with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who just as openly and clearly stated his goals - namely, the destruction of Ukraine.
How much time does Europe have left?
Trump doesn't care about the fate of Europe - we know that now. The only question is: how much time does Europe have left? No one can answer that question. Therefore, every minute must be used to invest in its own security and independence. The alternative would be submission to China, Russia or Trump's USA, the German public-law media outlet points out.
This comment expresses the personal opinion of the author and may not coincide with the positions of the Bulgarian editorial office and DW as a whole.