U.S. Removes “Threat” Designation for Russia in New Security Strategy; Trump Says Europe’s Existence Is Vanishing

The Trump administration has made a major shift in its National Security Strategy (NSS): the United States will no longer label Russia a “threat.”

Instead, the new policy — grounded in Trump’s “America First” doctrine — replaces hostile language with a softer, more pragmatic tone.

According to Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, the U.S. released a 29-page document on Friday declaring that it will no longer use terms like “direct threat” or “enemy” when referring to Russia.

This change has been welcomed by Moscow.

Since Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014 and its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the United States has regarded Russia as a major security threat.

Now, under this revised policy, the U.S. expresses willingness to soften its stance toward Russia and even promises cooperation on certain issues.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has criticized Europe, warning that European influence and standing are on the decline.

Foreign Policy Rooted in “What’s Best for America”

This new U.S. document is built on Trump’s framework of “flexible realism.” According to this philosophy, foreign policy decisions will be driven purely by U.S. interests.

The guiding principle will now be: “Do whatever brings the most advantage to America.”

In line with this, the strategy calls for a swift end to the war in Ukraine — highlighting it as a top U.S. priority.

The United States also expresses a desire to re-establish strategic stability with Russia to reduce the risk of a nuclear arms race or a large-scale war in Europe.

Why Did Trump Take This Step? Five Reasons

1. Benefit for America – Experts say Trump has always believed that hostility toward Russia serves no real gain for the U.S. He has often praised Vladimir Putin and claimed he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours by negotiating directly with him.
2. Desire to Conclude the War Quickly – Trump does not want the United States to continue spending billions on arming Ukraine. He favors a fast peace deal.
3. Countering China’s Influence – In the new strategy, China is repeatedly identified as America’s biggest long-term threat. The administration believes that continued confrontation with Russia only strengthens China.
4. Sending a Strong Message to Europe – Trump is angry at European countries for relying on the U.S. for security support while failing to meet their own defense spending obligations. He argues that if Europe cares about Ukraine so much, it should fight its own wars.
5. Economic Interests – Many analysts suggest that Trump-era policymakers — especially advisors like Jared Kushner — aim for big business deals with Russia and Gulf countries. A peace agreement could open up lucrative reconstruction contracts in Ukraine for American firms.

As articulated in the document, the Trump administration values advantage over principle, uses power — but only when it serves American interests.

The U.S. remains strong, and though it reserves the right to act when necessary, it does not seek unnecessary wars.

Thus, this new National Security Strategy (NSS) does not simply soften the U.S. stance toward Russia — it also adopts a tougher posture toward traditional European allies.

Europe Given Stark Warning: “Disappearance in Less Than 20 Years”

According to a Reuters report, the new U.S. strategy delivers a stern message to Europe.

It warns that if European nations continue on their current path, Europe’s relevance could vanish within two decades or less.

Many European countries may weaken so much that they can no longer be reliable U.S. allies.

According to Trump, if Europe wants to remain a credible ally of America, it must change course.

The document blames large-scale immigration policies in Europe, declining birth rates, loss of national identity, and restrictions on freedom of expression for the continent’s diminishing influence.

It also accuses the European Union and other international institutions of undermining national sovereignty and political independence.

At the same time, the strategy praises rising “patriotic parties” in Europe and urges American allies in Europe to “rekindle national spirit.”

The United States makes clear it expects its European partners to reassert their national identity and political independence.

In the words of Trump, this document is America’s roadmap to remain “the greatest and most successful nation in human history.”

Meanwhile, Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, while commenting on the American narrative, said, “The United States does not need to offer external advice on Europe’s internal matters — such as freedom of expression or democracy.”

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