The recent decision by the Trump administration to engage in direct negotiations with Russia over the ongoing war in Ukraine—without Ukraine or its European allies at the table—has sent shockwaves across the European Union (EU). This move, seen as an unprecedented sidelining of key stakeholders, is already prompting European nations to reconsider their security dependencies and could accelerate the formation of an independent European military force. In doing so, this shift could also play into the fulfillment of biblical prophecy regarding the emergence of a dominant European superpower just before the return of Christ.

The U.S. Sidelines Ukraine and Europe

On February 18, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss a framework for peace between Russia and Ukraine. What raised eyebrows worldwide was not just the meeting itself, but the glaring absence of Ukrainian and European representatives. This unilateral approach by the U.S. has drawn severe criticism, particularly from European leaders who see it as a betrayal of both Ukraine and the transatlantic alliance.

President Trump’s reasoning for bypassing Ukraine appears to be rooted in three key factors:

1. Expedited Resolution: The administration believes that direct U.S.-Russia talks might lead to a quicker settlement, without the complications of Ukrainian leadership’s insistence on full territorial restoration.
2. Perception of Ukrainian Leadership: Trump has suggested that Ukraine mishandled previous opportunities to negotiate peace, implying that their continued presence in talks may be counterproductive.
3. Strategic Realignment: U.S. officials have signaled a shift in priorities, seeing a return to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders as “unrealistic” and potentially prolonging the war unnecessarily.

This shift has been met with alarm in Europe, where leaders argue that such negotiations—if they exclude Ukraine—undermine the country’s sovereignty and the security of the entire continent.

Europe’s Response: A Push for Military Autonomy

For decades, Europe has relied heavily on the United States, through NATO, to provide security against Russian aggression. However, this latest move by Washington has reinforced a growing realization: Europe cannot afford to remain dependent on U.S. protection. In response, European nations are taking significant steps toward military independence.

1. Formation of the ‘Weimar+’ Group: France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy have formed a coalition to ensure that European interests are represented in global security matters. This new alliance marks a step toward a more cohesive European military strategy.
2. Increased Defense Spending: Many European nations, including Germany and France, are ramping up their military budgets, recognizing that they must be prepared for future conflicts without relying on Washington.
3. Calls for a Unified EU Defense Force: French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an emergency summit to discuss forming a European military structure that is independent of U.S. oversight.

This growing push for European military self-sufficiency aligns with what some Bible students have long anticipated—a European superpower emerging as a dominant force in world affairs.

Biblical Prophecy and the Rise of a European Superpower

The Bible speaks of a powerful end-time empire arising in Europe. In Daniel 2 and 7, as well as Revelation 13 and 17, we see descriptions of a final world power—often understood to be a revived Roman Empire—playing a dominant role before Christ’s return. This power is characterized by strong political, military, and economic influence.

For decades, many analysts have speculated about how such a European entity could take shape, given the continent’s reliance on the U.S. for defense. However, recent developments suggest that the stage is being set for this prophecy to be fulfilled. If the EU becomes militarily independent, it could emerge as a dominant force in global affairs—one that no longer depends on the U.S. but instead forges its own path in world politics.

A New Global Order?

The sidelining of Ukraine and the EU by the Trump administration may prove to be a historic turning point. As European nations realize that they can no longer count on the U.S. for security, they are taking steps to ensure their own military future. This could lead to the formation of a powerful European bloc that asserts itself on the world stage.

For Bible prophecy watchers, these developments are highly significant. They point to the increasing consolidation of power in Europe, paving the way for a superpower that will play a crucial role in end-time events. As we watch these shifts in geopolitics, it is crucial to remain vigilant and understand how they fit into the broader prophetic picture leading to the return of Jesus Christ.

The world is changing rapidly, and the U.S.’s new approach to foreign policy is forcing Europe to stand on its own feet. While this may bring new challenges, it also aligns with the prophetic expectation of a European superpower rising to prominence before the Second Coming. As these events unfold, we should be paying close attention to how the balance of power is shifting and what it means for the future of world affairs—and, more importantly, for God’s ultimate plan for humanity.