The conflict in Ukraine is poised to extend into its fifth year, with President Volodymyr Zelensky stating that a ceasefire is unlikely before Christmas. This grim outlook raises concerns not only for Ukraine but also for its allies, as the war continues to serve multiple strategic interests for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The ongoing hostilities are contributing to a growing divide between the United States and Europe, complicating international diplomatic relations.
Negotiations involving the US, Ukraine, and European partners are currently underway, but the outcome remains uncertain. Throughout the year, Donald Trump, recently re-elected in November 2024, has emerged as a pivotal figure in international relations. His approach to foreign policy, characterized by unpredictability, has left allies and adversaries alike questioning the future of US involvement in global conflicts.
While some argue that Trump’s unconventional style could yield positive diplomatic results, others express concerns about its implications for NATO and European allies. The US has already halted military aid to Ukraine, forcing Kyiv to seek support from European nations that are themselves grappling with funding challenges. This withdrawal marks a significant shift in the longstanding security arrangements that have existed since the end of World War II.
Implications of the US National Security Strategy
The US national security strategy, released in late 2025, painted a worrying picture for Europe. Critics, including Andrew Gawthorpe, a historian at Leiden University, expressed alarm over the strategy’s harsh criticism of Europe, characterizing it as weak and at risk of “civilizational erasure” due to migration. Such sentiments resonate with Russia, which has welcomed this perspective as consistent with its own geopolitical narratives.
The strategy suggests that Europe may need to reassess its reliance on the US for security, forcing nations to reconsider their military preparedness in the face of ongoing threats from Russia. Analysts have noted that Trump’s foreign policy approach, which some describe as a potential alignment with Russia and China, complicates the situation for NATO allies.
The situation in Ukraine remains dire. Reports indicate that the conflict is exacerbated by Trump’s demands for American companies to exploit the country’s rich mineral resources, which adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing diplomatic efforts. Stefan Wolff and Tetyana Malyarenko, experts in the geopolitical ramifications of the Ukraine conflict, have highlighted that without robust support from the US, Ukraine may struggle to maintain its defense against Russian advances.
Global Conflicts and Humanitarian Crises
While the situation in Ukraine dominates headlines, other global crises continue to unfold. In the Middle East, a fragile ceasefire in Gaza has not translated into lasting peace. Despite formal recognition of Palestinian statehood by countries including the UK, France, Australia, and Canada, the prospect for a two-state solution appears as distant as ever. The continued expansion of illegal Israeli settlements threatens to undermine any hope for a viable Palestinian state, as noted by Leonie Fleischmann, an expert in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In Sudan, the ongoing civil war has led to horrific human rights abuses, including mass killings and sexual violence against civilians. While often framed as an ethnic conflict, experts Justin Willis and Willow Berridge argue that international interference complicates the situation further. Reports of refugees fleeing the violence highlight the dire humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold.
As the year draws to a close, the global landscape remains fraught with uncertainty. The interplay of international relations, marked by the actions of leaders like Trump and Putin, will undeniably shape the coming year. With diplomatic efforts stalling and conflicts escalating, the resolutions to these crises are more crucial than ever. The next update on international affairs will be released on January 8, 2026, as the world watches closely to see how these situations develop in the new year.
