**Growing Rift Between US and Europe Over Ukraine Support**
A recent report by the Economist has highlighted a growing rift between Washington and European countries over their ongoing support for Ukraine. According to undisclosed diplomatic sources, some Trump administration officials are dissatisfied with Europe’s efforts to strengthen Ukraine.
Despite Kyiv’s European partners presenting a united front on Ukraine, pledging additional assistance and preparing a “reassurance force” of troops to monitor a potential ceasefire, the US has not provided security guarantees to Ukraine. In fact, President Donald Trump has rejected providing such guarantees and has instead sought to broker a ceasefire with Russia.
**US Officials Questioning European Allies**
Some Pentagon officials have even questioned an unspecified ally about why it continues sending military aid to Ukraine, only for their query to be ignored, the Economist reported. This development is all the more concerning given that Trump’s administration has already demonstrated an unwillingness to support Ukraine militarily, even pausing security aid in March to pressure Kyiv to the negotiating table.
While the flow of security packages, approved under the Biden administration, has resumed, they are expected to run out in the coming months. This leaves one wondering what will happen next.
**Ceasefire Efforts Stalling**
Meanwhile, ceasefire efforts have stalled as Russia continues to reject a 30-day truce supported by Washington and Kyiv and has repeatedly violated a partial ceasefire covering strikes against energy facilities. It’s clear that tensions between Ukraine and Russia are far from being resolved.
**Trump Administration Divided on How to Proceed**
Earlier reporting suggests that the Trump administration remains divided on how to proceed further. While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg reportedly urged a tougher stance on Russia, Trump seems to be listening to Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who has met Russian President Vladimir Putin three times and voiced optimism about closer engagement with Moscow.
**European Partners Seeking to Sway Trump**
European partners have sought to sway Trump toward providing security guarantees to Ukraine at least in some capacity, for example, by providing airpower or intelligence support for the “reassurance force.” However, Trump has not only offered no commitments but is also expected to reduce US military presence in Europe, signaling declining interest in the continent’s security.
The question now is what this means for the future of Ukraine and its relations with both Europe and Russia. As tensions continue to rise, one thing is clear: a peaceful resolution is still far from being achieved.
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