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A difficult moment for Europe and the USA The arrest of Alexej Nawalny in Moscow and the subsequent verdict and sentence have plunged relations between the West and Russia into a new crisis. For years, Moscow has been systematically suppressing political opposition, independent media and civic engagement. The harsh treatment of Nawalny — one of the most visible critics of Vladimir Putin — is symptomatic of a broader erosion of basic freedoms in Russia. Europe and the United States now face difficult decisions. Sanctions have been tightened repeatedly in response to Kremlin actions: the annexation of Crimea, the war in eastern Ukraine, cyber attacks and interference in Western democracies. Yet sanctions alone have not changed Russian behaviour. At the same time, decoupling entirely from Russia would have serious economic and geopolitical consequences for many countries in Europe, which remain reliant on Russian energy and maintain complex trade ties. Transatlantic unity is essential. A coherent strategy must combine firmness and clarity of principles with calibrated measures that target the Kremlin elite while minimizing harm to ordinary citizens and European economies. Coordination between the EU and the US should include sanctions, diplomatic pressure, support for independent Russian journalists and civil society, as well as measures to strengthen European energy security and defend critical infrastructure. Equally important is clear communication with publics in Europe and America. Democracies must explain why they defend human rights and the rule of law abroad, and why they will respond to violations. Moral consistency strengthens legitimacy. But Western governments must also be realistic about the limits of their influence and avoid promises they cannot keep. Lastly, this episode should be a wake-up call for Europe to accelerate efforts to reduce dependencies and deepen strategic sovereignty. Investments in renewable energy, diversified supply chains and stronger defense cooperation are long-term responses that reduce vulnerability to coercion. The West must not abandon its values, but it must pursue them with prudence and unity. The treatment of Nawalny is a test of resolve for democracies; how they respond will shape the international order for years to come.
The latest National Security Strategy (NSS) of the Trump administration marks a fundamental break with previous U.S. foreign policy toward Europe. For…