The highly anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 28, has sent shockwaves through global politics. Held in Washington, D.C., their discussions revolved around the ongoing war in Ukraine, the future of US support, and the shifting balance of power on the world stage. If one thing became clear, it’s that the world is rapidly moving from a unipolar order dominated by the USA to a more fragmented, multipolar system.
One of the biggest takeaways from the meeting was Trump’s unmistakably transactional stance on Ukraine. Unlike previous US leaders who framed their support as a fight for democracy, Trump approached the conflict through a lens of economic self-interest. Reports suggest he tied future US aid to a staggering $500 billion deal involving Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. This underscores his foreign policy philosophy: prioritize economic gains over ideological commitments.
For Zelenskyy, Trump’s proposition presents a harsh dilemma. Accepting the deal could secure much-needed military and financial aid but might also compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty over its valuable resources. On the other hand, rejecting Trump’s terms could drastically reduce US backing, potentially leaving Ukraine exposed to Russian advances. With the war already exhausting Ukraine’s economy and military strength, this decision carries weighty consequences.
The meeting also intensified existing fractures within the Western alliance. Trump’s conditional approach to aid has alarmed European nations, many of which were already questioning US dominance in NATO. Countries like France and Germany, weary of relying on Washington, have been increasingly advocating for an independent European security framework. If such a structure materializes, it could significantly reduce US influence over Europe’s defence policies.
Beyond the battlefield, the economic fallout from the war and US policies has hit Europe hard. Sanctions on Russia, coupled with an ongoing energy crisis, have pushed Germany into economic distress. Rising inflation, slowing industrial output, and the resurgence of far-right movements are leaving European governments struggling to maintain stability. The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party in Germany, for example, has gained traction, fuelled by growing frustration over economic hardships and prolonged geopolitical uncertainty.
India, too, will face growing pressure to clarify its position. As Trump pushes for more rigid global alignments, New Delhi may find its balancing act harder to maintain. The next few years will likely be defined by shifting alliances, economic competition, and strategic recalibrations ushering in a world order far different from the one we’ve known.
As the USA shifts toward a transactional foreign policy, China and Russia are capitalizing on the opportunity to expand their influence. Russia continues to maintain a stronghold in Ukraine, while China deepens its trade and military ties with countries eager to reduce their dependence on the West. On the other hand Europe trying to create a self reliant identity out of uncertainty filled US policies. This growing alliance is accelerating the emergence of a multipolar world—one where power is no longer concentrated in Washington alone.
Amid this global reshuffle, India has emerged as a key player. With its rapidly growing economy and strategic geographical position, with both the West and the Russia-China bloc vying for stronger ties with New Delhi. The USA and Europe seek to deepen economic and military partnerships with India, while Russia is keen to maintain its historic ties. Meanwhile, China— despite its complex relationship with India— remains a crucial economic partner, with bilateral trade surpassing $100 billion.
However, neutrality may not be a sustainable position for India in the long run. With Trump in the White House, his administration is likely to keep increasing pressure on India to take a definitive stance, forcing New Delhi to carefully navigate its alliances.
The Trump-Zelenskyy meeting reaffirmed a growing reality—the post-Cold War era of American unipolarity is fading. With U.S. foreign policy becoming increasingly transactional, European allies exploring alternative defense structures, and the Russia-China alliance strengthening, global power dynamics are undergoing a seismic shift.
Perhaps most significantly, Trump’s approach is upending long-standing expectations of U.S. leadership. His unpredictability has left allies uneasy, pushing them to consider greater independence from Washington. If Europe successfully establishes itself as a geopolitical bloc separate from the USA, it could redefine global alliances in ways unseen since the Cold War.
India, too, will face growing pressure to clarify its position. As Trump pushes for more rigid global alignments, New Delhi may find its balancing act harder to maintain. The next few years will likely be defined by shifting alliances, economic competition, and strategic recalibrations ushering in a world order far different from the one we’ve known.
