**Europe Shifts Focus to Defending Ukraine without US Support**
In a significant development, European officials are re-evaluating their approach to supporting Ukraine in the wake of ongoing Russian aggression. According to reports from The Telegraph, senior diplomats meeting in The Hague have acknowledged that Europe must “get real” about the possibility of US President Donald Trump abandoning support for Kyiv.
This shift in focus comes as European leaders grow increasingly uneasy about Trump’s continued opposition to Ukraine’s accession to NATO and his criticism of Kyiv’s war effort. In a recent statement, Trump reiterated his stance on ending efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine if progress is not made.
The discussions among European diplomats centered on how to maintain support for Ukraine even in the absence of US backing. One official was quoted as saying that Europe must assume that the US would only continue providing specific assets like intelligence.
**Coalition of the Willing**
The UK and France had previously led efforts to form a so-called “coalition of the willing,” a deterrence force that would be deployed in the event of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. However, with only a few countries publicly committing to deploying troops, it appears that this approach is being reconsidered.
Over 30 countries have expressed interest in joining the coalition, but concerns about Trump’s resistance to Ukraine joining NATO have created unease among European leaders. The Netherlands has invited President Volodymyr Zelensky to the June NATO summit in The Hague, despite US opposition to his participation.
**Russian Aggression Continues**
Meanwhile, Russia’s main efforts remain concentrated on the Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and Lyman fronts in Donetsk Oblast, as well as in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy Oblast bordering Russia. Ukrainian defenses have shot down 69 drones and three guided missiles using aviation units, air defense systems, electronic warfare, and mobile fire teams.
The number of casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day is estimated at 1,250. One child was killed and another injured in a Russian missile attack on Zaporizhzhia Oblast overnight on May 31.
**Prisoner Exchange**
In a prisoner exchange from May 23 to 25, Russia sent Ukraine 65 prisoners who were set to be deported to Ukraine regardless of the swap. Claims of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s helicopter being “at the epicenter” of a Ukrainian drone attack in Kursk Oblast were reportedly fabricated by the Kremlin.
**US Reaffirms Role in NATO**
In a separate development, US President Donald Trump has decided to appoint the next Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), reaffirming a key American role in NATO’s military structure. This move is seen as an attempt to reassure European allies of the US commitment to the alliance.
As the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, one thing is clear: Europe must be prepared to take on a more significant role in supporting Ukraine without US backing. The question remains whether this shift will be enough to stem the tide of Russian aggression and bring about a lasting peace.
