US President Donald Trump has sparked concerns among European leaders by suggesting that Russia can veto Ukraine’s entry into NATO. The comments came during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Trump discussed potential ceasefire negotiations.
European officials are demanding continued support for Ukraine and a seat at the negotiating table, following Trump’s defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, who previously stated that NATO membership for Ukraine is not a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement.
However, Trump has since walked back some of his comments, saying he believes Putin wants peace. The US administration has reaffirmed its commitment to building a stronger and more lethal NATO, but European officials are still anxious about the future of Ukraine’s relationship with the alliance.
The situation is set to come to a head on Friday, when Vice President Mike Pence is expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting has been described by senior European officials as “pivotal” and will determine whether the US will treat Europe and Ukraine as partners in ending the conflict.
The Trump administration’s push for Europe to do more has raised concerns about the future of transatlantic relations, with many officials feeling confused and anxious about the shifting policy landscape. As tensions continue to rise, European leaders are urging caution and clarity from the US administration, ahead of a critical meeting that could determine the fate of Ukraine’s relationship with NATO.
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/european-allies-demand-support-for-ukraine-and-seat-at-trump-putin-negotiations