European leaders face a pressing dilemma as US President Donald Trump has soured on Ukraine, further straining relations between Washington and Kiev. The sudden escalation came after a heated exchange between Mr. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which left European leaders scrambling to reassess their defense strategies.
In a bid to maintain cooperation with the US, European nations have been working to boost their own defenses and strengthen ties with Ukraine. However, Friday’s Oval Office meeting revealed that Mr. Trump’s stance may necessitate more decisive action from Europe, as he canceled a news conference with President Zelensky and stated on social media that Ukraine’s stability relies on American support.
As the situation unfolds, European leaders are grappling with the possibility of having to develop their own contingency plans in response to Mr. Trump’s increasingly unreliable stance. With tensions rising, the need for collective action becomes more pressing, highlighting the urgent need for European nations to redefine their approach to defense and diplomacy.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/02/world/europe/ukraine-trump.html