How much time do Ukraine and Europe have to react to what many see as a U.S. abandonment? When Russia kicked off its invasion three years ago, every day Kyiv withstood the assault was seen as a win. The West quickly banded together to support Ukraine in a remarkable show of solidarity.
Now, however, with the Trump administration turning its back on Ukraine and cozying up to Russia, Europe is speeding up efforts to bolster Ukraine and seek a path toward security independence. Allies of Trump were quick to pin the blame for the sudden suspension of U.S. military aid on an intense Oval Office meeting involving Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Donald Trump, and JD Vance. Some believe, though, that the administration just needed an excuse to make this move. On Tuesday, Zelenskyy vowed to strive under Trump’s assertive leadership toward a lasting peace and expressed his appreciation for the Javelin missile sales approved during Trump’s first term.
Still, that reassurance may not suffice. The aid suspension followed a two-week period in which Trump labeled Zelenskyy a “dictator,” the U.S. unexpectedly sided with Russia against its own allies at the UN, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth put a pause on cyber operations targeting Moscow. Rumors are swirling about the U.S. considering plans to reduce economic sanctions on Russia, even while it raises tariffs on its allies. It’s no surprise the Kremlin is boasting that U.S. actions align with their interests. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin has allegedly offered to step in as a mediator for U.S.-Iran nuclear discussions. Observers were on edge awaiting further announcements in Trump’s congressional address on Tuesday.
Experts believe Ukraine’s military can maintain its current fighting pace for a few months without U.S. aid, depending on the resources they have in reserve. Although not as reliant on the U.S. as before, losing key components like Patriot air defense missiles would be tough. If U.S. logistical, intelligence support, and Elon Musk’s Starlink services were withdrawn, it would be a harsh blow.
Trump is pressing ahead quickly, even warning that Zelenskyy “won’t be around very long” without striking a deal. This came after the Ukrainian president noted the war’s end is still far off. That said, Trump has missed chances to use his leverage on Moscow before negotiating. His actions could embolden Russia to seek more territorial gains, especially if they can broker a deal with the U.S. before any ceasefire.
The U.S. has already undercut key strategies in Sir Keir Starmer’s plan, which involved solid military backing for Kyiv, economic pressure on Moscow, and building a coalition to ensure Ukraine’s security. Vance ridiculed the idea of involving “20,000 troops from some random country that hasn’t seen combat in decades,” though clarified he wasn’t talking about Britain or France.
European leaders must keep working to prolong the inevitable, delay further U.S. betrayals, and ramp up their defense capabilities as well as those of Ukraine. On Tuesday, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, put forth a proposal that includes changes to EU fiscal rules, potentially unlocking nearly €800 billion for defense purposes. Meanwhile, a competitor to Starlink is in discussions with European leaders about satellite services.
This administration is known for its sudden and unpredictable moves. Both Ukraine and Europe are in a race against time, with the exact moment of truth remaining uncertain—but likely approaching sooner rather than later.
