Some officials from the Trump administration have expressed dissatisfaction regarding the ongoing support for Ukraine from European nations, highlighting a widening gap between Washington and Europe, according to a report by the Economist on April 15, which cites anonymous diplomatic sources.
Ukraine’s European allies have aimed to maintain a united stance, committing additional assistance and organizing a “reassurance force” of troops to oversee a potential ceasefire.
Despite efforts to keep the United States involved, President Donald Trump has declined to offer security guarantees to Kyiv and has not unveiled any new aid packages, instead focusing on negotiating a ceasefire with Russia.
Some officials at the Pentagon have questioned a certain ally about its continued military aid to Ukraine, a concern that went unanswered, according to the Economist.
The publication noted that the “chaotic” environment of the Trump administration raises doubts about whether such communications hold any real weight or are simply background “noise.”
Trump has already shown reluctance to support Ukraine militarily, having paused all security assistance in March to apply pressure on Kyiv to engage in negotiations. Although the flow of these packages, initially approved under the Biden administration, has recommenced, they are projected to be depleted in the coming months.
Efforts towards a ceasefire have stalled as Russia continues to dismiss a 30-day truce backed by both Washington and Kyiv, frequently violating a partial ceasefire concerning attacks on energy infrastructure.
Previous reports have indicated that there are divisions within Trump’s team about how to move forward.
While U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg have reportedly advocated for a firmer approach towards Russia, Trump appears to be siding with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin three times and expressed optimism about improving relations with Moscow.
European partners have been trying to persuade Trump to offer some form of security guarantees for Ukraine, such as air support or intelligence for the “reassurance force.” However, Trump has not made any commitments and is also anticipated to reduce the U.S. military footprint in Europe, indicating a waning interest in the security of the continent.
US softens demands on Ukraine minerals deal after Washington talks, Bloomberg reports
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