this post was submitted on 20 Feb 2025
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Summary

A European Parliament member claimed that the U.S. gave Europe three weeks to agree on Ukraine's "surrender" terms or risk an American withdrawal from Europe.

Mika Aaltola made the claim on X, but provided no evidence. NBC News reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested a U.S. troop reduction in Europe.

Trump reportedly plans to cut 20,000 troops and demand greater NATO contributions. He has pushed for higher NATO defense spending.

Trump may meet with Putin soon, believing Russia holds the upper hand in negotiations.

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[–] ploot@lemmy.blahaj.zone 191 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (2 children)

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Finland's Mika Aaltola of the European People's Party claimed that the U.S. "has given us three weeks to agree on terms for Ukraine's surrender," referring to a proposed peace deal aimed at ending the war.

"If we don't, the United States will withdraw from Europe," Aaltola added.

Trump is demanding that Europe hand Ukraine to Russia, or he will hand Europe to Russia. This man is not working for the good of the USA or its traditional allies. He is working against them, destroying Europe, NATO and the USA for the sake of himself, Vladimir Putin and a few Nazi billionaires.

And clearly when he threatens Europe like that they should not for a minute believe that he will not hand them over to Russia if they do what he says. Given that, Europe should tell him to get lost.

[–] starshipHighwayman69@lemmy.ml 61 points 2 weeks ago

He is also lying he will hand over Europe the second Ukraine falls or daddy Putin commands him to.

[–] Kallioapina@lemmy.dbzer0.com 25 points 2 weeks ago

To be fair, Mika Aaltola is known in Finland as a noted populist and doomsayer that has a flair for the dramatic. His foreign policy predictions have also been pretty much all wrong since before the start of war in Ukraine.

I'd take anything he says or leaks with a big spoon of salt.

[–] MyOpinion@lemm.ee 153 points 2 weeks ago (32 children)

Russia is losing in Ukraine but some how in the Orange Turds mind Russia is wining. Russia has the upper hand with their Puppet in the USA.

[–] dojan@lemmy.world 136 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

No no, he doesn't think that Russia is winning, he wants Russia to win.

[–] Dragomus@lemmy.world 70 points 2 weeks ago (4 children)

He needs Russia to win...

Because Putin demands it of him to force it that way.

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[–] Arbiter@lemmy.world 28 points 2 weeks ago

It would set a good precedent for his plans with Canada and Greenland.

[–] FenrirIII@lemmy.world 22 points 2 weeks ago

Russia has the upper hand in Trump's ass.

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[–] khannie@lemmy.world 120 points 2 weeks ago (4 children)

I mean, we've all already assumed US capitulation and cessation of any alliance tbh. It only took about two weeks.

Jog on.

Best of luck with China and that supply chain. They're looking at how you're throwing Ukraine under the bus and thinking "Oh hell yes".

[–] Joncash2@lemmy.ml 27 points 2 weeks ago (13 children)

I'm confused by what you mean. Yes, if you disconnect from Europe you would absolutely need China's supply chain. And Russia proved it's a very powerful supply chain. Hate it all you want, but without even sending weapons, Russia was able to sustain the war under massive sanctions.

I mean, if Trump actually secures China's supply chain and actually decided war is the best way to resolve Greenland and Panama, well, the world would be completely fucked. There's nothing the rest of the world could do to stop any of this. The horrifying combination of US military, tech and China's production capacity, Jesus fuck that's terrifying.

The worst thing is, this is now a likely scenario. Considering Trump and Putin are both on board, the entirety of humanity is now dependant on Xi not being as power hungry and insane. God this is nightmare fuel.

[–] Habahnow@sh.itjust.works 19 points 2 weeks ago (4 children)

I kinda doubt China wants to share things with the US. That and I doubt Putin wants the China to be stronger either. I think China would be cool not stepping in the way of the US and Russia so long as they see some opportunities for themselves.

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[–] samus12345@lemm.ee 94 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

risk an American withdrawal from Europe.

Why is this a threat? Is there a reason Europe would want a hostile country to remain there?

[–] Saleh@feddit.org 25 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Yeah. We need to prepare to defend Greenland from the US. Having 100.000 enemy troops stationed all over the continent who need to be contained first makes it practically impossible.

And now the mask is finally peeling off. The US bases around the world are not their to defend the countries they are in. They are there to defend the US interests. This should be obvious to anyone, who can read just a little bit of history, but better late than never.

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[–] blakenong@lemmings.world 82 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

Any American willing to fight Europe is a piece of shit, especially if it’s your job.

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[–] leadore@lemmy.world 80 points 2 weeks ago (6 children)

Fuck him. First, he'll do what we wants regardless of whether you concede to his demands. If we wants to withdraw troops, he'll withdraw them, no matter what concessions you make to him in hopes of preventing that. Look at his history. Look at how he has treated the other party in Every. Single. One. of the "deals" that he's made. He fucks them over. NEVER believe he'll hold up his side of whatever bargain you make. He won't.

Don't ever concede to this bully. The more you concede, the more demands he'll make, like with a blackmailer. Call his bluff. Say, "Sorry, we don't agree. If that means you'll withdraw, then don't let the screen door hit ya where the good lord split ya on the way out." Bam! End of bullying and if he didn't want to withdraw, he'll find some excuse no to go through with it (or probably just lie and say you agreed to do something for him behind the scenes).

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[–] Fiivemacs@lemmy.ca 70 points 2 weeks ago (26 children)

He's gonna withdraw anyways...he works for you Putin. They are ramping for WW3 with the world vs USA/Russia/China..fucked up to put us with Russia but here we are.

[–] Dragomus@lemmy.world 29 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

Yeah he'll withdraw troops and NATO support no matter how things go in Europe ...

He'll need more armyboots at home defending his regime ... also needs to recoup costs due to losing out on tax income and tariff lies. Then there is this thing where he wants to give Putin this favor of dismantling NATO.

So, his demand was 2% in 2017 ... and countries are exceeding that, Poland is already spending more than even the US, and Germany is climbing, so he upped it to 5% to get the excuse of the US backing out.

Even if they meet 5%, in a few years he'll up it further.

Ofcourse for now he'll assume the NATO members still feel bound to keep supplying intelligence information and buy American weaponry, even if NATO falls apart.

[–] floofloof@lemmy.ca 19 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

The other four of the Five Eyes should be having a rethink. Maybe there are worse things than losing an eye.

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[–] Banana@sh.itjust.works 18 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (3 children)

Has China given an indication they're allied with the US? This is an earnest question.

[–] Joeffect@lemmy.world 22 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I think it's more trump / Putin and Putin/ Winnie the Pooh so they are just all friends

[–] Quill7513@slrpnk.net 41 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

it's a lot like the tripartite pact. three fascist military governments are agreeing to non-compete terms. they are not allies. they are merely not enemies

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[–] Vagitarian@lemmynsfw.com 66 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

If I was a Russian agent, and had managed to become the US President, he's doing EXACTLY what I would to to gut and destroy the US. The Fanta Menace doesn't even seem to be trying to hide the fact he works for Putin. So how has he not been charges with treason? Signed, Confused Non-US person.

[–] TheFriar@lemm.ee 28 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

Because the republicans have spent years gutting oversight, and decades making the populace dumber. This is their final putsch to fully gut the government so they can have complete power. And they’ve mostly succeeded already. The people are beyond disengaged from four years of this four years ago, plus Covid, plus struggling to survive in late stage American capitalism. It’s the perfect storm for a fascist takeover. And they’re taking full advantage.

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[–] NoxAstrum@lemmy.ca 18 points 2 weeks ago

Fanta Menace 🤣

[–] Goldholz@lemmy.blahaj.zone 65 points 2 weeks ago

Do it! I dare you! Fuck of from europe! Take all your companies with you! Dont sell us weapons anymore!

Democracie is none negotiatable and we dont negotiate with terrorist acomplices!

[–] Adderbox76@lemmy.ca 62 points 2 weeks ago (11 children)

Call his bluff.

American soft power around the globe relies on having those bases on foreign soil.

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[–] Skua@kbin.earth 49 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

risk an American withdrawal from Europe.

Do it, coward

[–] LifeInMultipleChoice@lemmy.world 37 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

Boy do I wish the EU and the UK would sign an agreement to cut all trade immediately with the U.S. and force the isolation this bafoon pretends they want. Prices will skyrocket everywhere, but the number of dumb Trump followers will fall off a cliff and he would be forced to step down by the oligarchs he surrounded himself with. The market would crash for certain.

[–] Habahnow@sh.itjust.works 16 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Idk anymore. The maga handlers have complete control of the maga cult media machine. I could imagine this happening, and right media spinning up a lie that maga eats up. "Biden did this with the Democrats!" He encouraged a coup that was recorded, and people all but forgot about it.

[–] LifeInMultipleChoice@lemmy.world 14 points 2 weeks ago (5 children)

They can lie all they want. No trade means inflation. Inflation means markets crashing. It can't be stopped without spreading wealth oligarchs don't want to share with those in need. When people starve, they will murder rampantly to stay alive.

Most of the rich are smart enough to know they only stay rich if the people stay peaceful and mildly satiated. You don't want to lock yourself in with 250,000,000 starving people with guns.

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[–] AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.world 44 points 2 weeks ago (8 children)

Yeah, well we didn't vote for him. He can keep his lunacy for his subjects.

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[–] twelvegoats@lemm.ee 39 points 2 weeks ago (7 children)

Being an American that feels like they no longer have a home, I would like Europe to unleash holy hell upon the US. Do not let this fascicle president dictate what you do for your continent. You were fine before we took over swaths of your countries for their bases, you can be the strong leaders that the West need to fight everything that's going on in your vicinity with Russia, North Korea, and any other rogue nation. I hate to say it, but the US is a part of that sentence as well. The US will not protect you anymore, I have absolutely no faith that the US will step up when you need them the most. Protect yourselves.

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[–] lepinkainen@lemmy.world 38 points 2 weeks ago (6 children)

If any European country bows down to Donald, I’ll boycott it for the rest of my life

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[–] mechoman444@lemmy.world 36 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

And I give trump three weeks to vacate the white House and the presidency.

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[–] TipRing@lemmy.world 35 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

What would be the purpose of US support in Europe if not defending against Russia?

The US presence in Europe exists to facilitate US power projection, if we are not stopping Russian advancement then there is no reason for host countries to allow US bases in their territory.

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[–] realitista@lemmy.world 32 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Time for Europe to man up and show the middle finger.

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[–] Goldholz@lemmy.blahaj.zone 32 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Even if we were to agree to those demands, there is no garantie they would actually help in defense of us!

We had to defend them when they called articel 5 but wont do the same for us!

[–] Whats_your_reasoning@lemmy.world 27 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

I really hope the rest of the world leaders keep this at the forefront of their mind: Trump doesn't keep his word. Also, Trump doesn't pay his debts.

Attempting to make ANY deal with him is foolish. The wisest move is to expect him to screw over anyone who attempts to "work with" him, because unless you're holding his purse strings, he'll use you and lose you at his soonest opportunity. He is a cancer cell stealing resources from all the healthy cells around him - expect him to give nothing and take everything for his own gain.

I know to some that is "preaching to the choir," but living in the U.S. at a time like this, I really don't know who's been charmed by his BS vs who can see what's really going on. I imagine those outside the U.S. have better perspective, but I can't just expect people to be rational anymore.

[–] Gammelfisch@lemmy.world 29 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

The European NATO members should tell the AmeriKans they have 3 weeks to shutdown all their military bases until Jan 2029.

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[–] perestroika@lemm.ee 29 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (2 children)

Some notes:

  • this is not confirmed, but seems credible enough to speculate about

  • regardless of veracity, European defense readiness needs a big boost, and people are working on the instruments that would allow giving that boost

  • another source says that Trump is planning cuts in the US armed forces, to the tune of 8% per year [sources that add "for multiple years" remain hearsay for me]

  • around January 20, I saw a table circulating on social media, describing Trump's intended cuts, and that table did drop about 21 brigades and paused the development of various capabilities (edit: found it)

  • so apparently, the Trump administration intends to lower its defense readiness no matter what, believing it has too much

On this background, not much point negotiating with him. He is framing as an ultimatum what he intends to do anyway. No point getting delayed either.

Just get the framework agreed upon, and quickly start supplying Ukraine with fresh stuff. Ukrainians aren't newbies, for now they have accumulated some small reserves (they knew what to expect under Trump, and Biden's administration pushed the last remains of its assistance out like there was no tomorrow)... but arrival of European assistance must start rapidly increasing within a window of 2..3 months.

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[–] MehBlah@lemmy.world 28 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

Trump is gambling with monopoly money.

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[–] frezik@midwest.social 22 points 2 weeks ago

Art of the deal. Plan A is to give three weeks to sign off on the surrender. When they refuse, Plan B starts. Plan B is that there is no Plan B.

[–] bitjunkie@lemmy.world 21 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)
[–] Ceruleum@lemmy.wtf 15 points 2 weeks ago

Also known as "pig hitler"

[–] Scott_of_the_Arctic@lemmy.world 17 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

Or... Trump can pull the us military out of Europe, Canada joins the EU, and we seize American and russian assets to build a truly massive army.

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[–] Iceman@lemmy.world 17 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

We need regime change in the USA. The global community should work together for this endeavor.

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