Trans-Atlantic alliance sees divergence over Ukraine

The 51st annual Munich Security Conference over the weekend comes as the world is confronted with severe security concerns and a "collapsing order." Top of the agenda at the high-profile get-together is the Ukraine crisis, which is at a critical juncture as the US mulls whether it should provide arms to Ukrainian troops.

Diplomatic efforts by European countries stood out amid the simmering tensions in Ukraine, but meanwhile a widening rift was revealed between Europe and the US as the two prioritize different security perils. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, after a lightning visit to Ukraine Thursday, on Friday made her first visit to Russia since the crisis with French President François Hollande. Together they proposed a new peace plan to Russian President Vladimir Putin consistent with the Minsk agreement reached in September last year.

The Franco-German strategy, characterized as constructive, is probably a last-ditch effort for Europe to prevent the conflict from deteriorating into war and disaster. However, even Merkel was uncertain whether the initiative could succeed. But she was certain that supplying Kiev with improved equipment will not bring a solution to the crisis that has cost more than 5,000 lives, Merkel said at the Munich conference.

In contrast, the efforts by Merkel and Hollande triggered criticism from hawkish US Republicans Lyndsey Graham and John McCain at the security conference. Vice President Joe Biden may sound softer, but was still firm on Washington's possible approval of arming Kiev.

Washington doesn't see many reasons to stop its tough stance on Russia and fueling the Ukraine crisis since its ties to Moscow are not as close as to some European countries. Trade ties between Germany and Russia are twice the size of those between Russia and the US.

Washington's obsession with its geopolitical interests through NATO expansion has held it back from understanding the real concerns of its allies.

The absence of British Prime Minister David Cameron in the initiative by Merkel and Hollande has drawn much domestic criticism. A move to promote a united European front to deal with this crisis is gaining more traction and Europe may turn away from the US altogether in developing its Ukraine strategy.

The Munich Security Report released ahead of the meeting suggested that the US, long-considered a global leader, has been losing its grip on leadership. Against the complex international landscape and changing world order, Washington has to recalibrate its policy and focus more on seeking a political solution to the Ukraine issue. Otherwise, it will drift further apart from the European consensus.