Nournews: Although Ukraine is still seeking €20 billion in European assistance to continue its war effort against Russia, there are indications of a notable change in the outlook of some European countries toward Moscow—a shift that differs markedly from their past behavior and positions. For example, the ruling majority in the Italian Parliament has voted in favor of a proposal under which sanctions on Russia would be gradually lifted after the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. In addition, the ambassadors of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom in Moscow met with Russia’s deputy foreign minister and, amid efforts to reduce tensions, emphasized the need to begin direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

While a fundamental transformation in Europe’s policy toward Russia will likely take time and will not occur overnight, and while it remains a reality that the West has struggled to counter Russia’s military capabilities and may see compromise—and potentially sacrificing Ukraine’s interests—as its only option, this change in posture may stem from broader realities that have placed Europe under significant domestic and international pressure.

The Collapse of the Trust Myth: Europeans and the United States at a Breaking Point

For decades, European leaders have sacrificed much of the continent’s credibility, prestige, and independence in pursuit of U.S. objectives. Today, however, many Europeans no longer view the United States as their protector; instead, they see it as a force that has contributed more to their weakening and instability than to their security.

According to The Guardian, the results of a new survey conducted across 15 European countries indicate a sharp decline in trust toward the United States. Only 11 percent of respondents considered America an ally that shares Europe’s values and interests. The survey also found that majorities in all countries surveyed doubted whether the United States would defend European nations if they came under attack.

A similarly negative perception is said to exist toward Israel. According to this view, many Europeans regard Israel not as a partner or ally but as a burden that damages Europe’s global reputation and imposes costs without delivering corresponding benefits. This sentiment has reportedly become widespread enough that some European politicians have begun openly criticizing Israel and supporting measures such as sanctions against certain settlers.

Notably, similar attitudes are said to be growing within the United States itself, where many senators, representatives, and even former President Donald Trump have voiced criticism of Israel in response to public opinion pressures.

A Worn-Out NATO: From Security Umbrella to Strategic Burden

Europe, which long relied on NATO and therefore avoided strengthening its own military independence, now faces what some describe as a “costly NATO” dilemma. Alongside U.S. demands that European countries allocate 5 percent of their GDP to defense spending, reduced defense cooperation has created new security challenges for the continent.

In what has been portrayed as a major blow to the backbone of Europe’s security architecture, recent reports from the Pentagon and U.S. military command structures suggest that the Trump administration has taken practical steps to reduce its military commitments to NATO and intends to significantly scale back its protective and offensive presence in Europe.

According to The New York Times, the plan would reduce the number of F-16 and F-15E fighter aircraft stationed in Europe from around 150 to 100 and cut reconnaissance aircraft from 26 to 15. All eight aerial refueling tankers would also be removed from the deployment structure.

Reuters likewise reported in May that the United States intends to reduce certain military capabilities it would make available to NATO allies during a major crisis. Such developments could effectively limit Europe’s options in the Ukraine war and leave it with fewer alternatives beyond accommodating some of Russia’s demands.

A Troubled Europe: Economic Realities That Can No Longer Be Ignored

Although European governments have sought to project power on the global stage through initiatives in institutions such as the UN Security Council and the IAEA Board of Governors, economic indicators point to mounting challenges linked to the Ukraine war and to what the article describes as U.S.-Israeli policies toward Iran.

In this context, Italy’s prime minister reportedly stated that Europe should be prepared to ease sanctions if Iran demonstrates a willingness to negotiate. At the same time, Italy’s foreign minister, commenting on developments related to military actions against Iran, emphasized: “This was not a war we participated in, nor one we were supposed to participate in. We are doing our part.”

Officials from countries such as Germany and France, as well as Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, have also expressed readiness to support efforts aimed at advancing negotiations between Iran and the United States.

Taken together, Europe’s recent behavior suggests that economic pressures have become so severe that maintaining extensive sanctions and restrictions against countries such as Russia and Iran is increasingly difficult. As a result, European governments appear to be moderating their positions. While they may seek to preserve appearances, their evolving rhetoric and actions can be interpreted as an implicit acknowledgment of the limited effectiveness of sanctions policies and of alignment with U.S. policies toward countries such as Iran and Russia.

The resilience of Tehran and Moscow in the face of sanctions, along with Iran’s ability to manage the Strait of Hormuz and respond to U.S. pressure, is presented in this analysis as a key factor behind Europe’s changing behavior.