A heated exchange between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has left European leaders reeling, as they scramble to find a new ally in Russia’s war on Ukraine. The US had previously guaranteed security for Ukraine, but its stance has shifted under Trump’s administration.
In response, European leaders have come together to devise a plan for protecting Ukraine from Russian aggression. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the formation of a “coalition of the willing” to defend Ukraine and strengthen Europe’s military capabilities. France and the UK are leading efforts to advance Ukraine’s cause and convince Trump to keep its interests in mind.
However, the meeting has raised concerns that Europe may be taking on too much responsibility for protecting Ukraine without US support. The UK has pledged $2 billion in air defense missiles to Ukraine, while other countries may follow suit. Despite this, experts warn that it may not be enough to stand alone against Russia in the short term.
The shift in US policy has come as Trump attempts to fulfill a campaign promise to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. However, it seems he is getting something he’s long demanded: that Europe increases its defense contributions while the US takes a step back from the conflict. The EU’s willingness to take on this role may be driven by a need to fill the vacuum left by the US, but it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine.
Source: https://www.vox.com/politics/402195/trump-zelenskyy-nato-eu-russia-ukraine-war-uk-summit