There were always enormous international fears surrounding the return to power of President Trump, and it transpires that, in the space of barely six weeks since his inauguration, his actions have created the most serious threat to global peace in the last six decades.
It could be argued that we are in an even more dangerous position than during the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, centring on a confrontation between the US and Russia at the height of the Cold War which resulted in Moscow backing off.
We now find Mr Trump effectively creating a new world order in which he uses the conflict in Ukraine as an excuse to actually support Russian aggression, despite the clearly expressed concerns of not only Europe but also China.
It was increasingly obvious that events were moving in this direction even before the appalling scenes in the Oval Office last Friday when blatantly stage-managed attempts were made to publicly humiliate President Zelensky.
Other western leaders stood firmly behind Ukraine, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen immediately raising the prospect of increasing EU defence spending, and saying, “We are in an era of rearmament”.
All the options are due to be discussed at a summit later this week, but, while Ms von der Leyen said yesterday that the intention was to maintain a “safe and resilient Europe”, we are clearly heading into unprecedented territory.
Based on his previous statements, it was entirely predictable that Mr Trump would announce yesterday that he was pausing US military aid to Ukraine, although it was telling that his administration could not immediately provide any further details about the major intervention.
It remains unclear how widespread the appalling US change of stance will be, and how long it may last, particularly after Mr Zelensky’s qualified statement of regret yesterday, but the expressions of delight from Moscow told their own story.
Ireland, as a small and traditionally neutral country on the edge of Europe, is facing massive implications which will have to be carefully considered in the coming days and weeks.
Read more: Trump demeans every aspect of the distinguished post he holds – The Irish News view
It happens that taoiseach Micheál Martin is due to meet Mr Trump in Washington on this day week, as part of the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Mr Martin has already indicated that he will consult closely with his EU counterparts before leaving for the US, and, if the engagement in the White House goes ahead, it is essential that he should convey the deep alarm of Irish citizens over the latest developments in Ukraine and Gaza.
We are at a pivotal moment and the overwhelming priority must be protecting basic human rights and avoiding the further slaughter of innocent men, women and children.
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