Despite Trump envoy Steve Witkoff meeting with Vladimir Putin last night to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine, the Trump Administration is increasingly proving itself to be an unreliable ally to Ukraine. Under Trump, the U.S. has suspended military aid to Ukraine, paused critical intelligence sharing reluctantly resuming it, and has increasingly cozied up to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. As doubts grow about the future role of the U.S. in European security and in Ukraine, Europe is stepping up to fill the widening gap in support to the country fighting for its very survival.
The European Union has a clear message for the world: it will continue to support Ukraine against Russia’s illegal invasion, increase humanitarian aid where America retreats, and strengthen global cooperation to address the mounting security and economic challenges posed by the war. With Washington’s commitment not just wavering but actively undermining Ukraine’s position, EU leaders have reaffirmed their resolve to bolster Ukraine’s defences and ensure that the country does not stand alone in its fight for sovereignty.
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, was unequivocal in her stance after meeting Ukraine’s Defence Minister last week: “We know Ukraine’s defence needs, and the EU is ramping up weapons production to speed up deliveries. Europe stands with Ukraine and its brave resistance against the brutal Russian aggressor.“
This pledge comes at a critical time. Russia’s invasion, now in its third year, has shown no signs of abating. As frontline Ukrainian troops continue to defend their territory, the need for military hardware, financial aid, and political backing is greater than ever. With the Trump administration not just reluctant but actively working to force Ukraine into disadvantageous peace terms, Europe faces a decisive moment in its history, one that French President Emmanuel Macron believes requires firm and immediate action.
“This is the moment when Europe must throw its full weight behind Ukraine, and itself,” Macron declared, emphasizing the need for the continent to take greater responsibility for its own security and that of its allies.
Beyond the strategic imperatives, European leaders are positioning their support for Ukraine as a moral necessity while America abandons its ethical leadership. The European Democratic Party’s Secretary General, Sandro Gozi, underscored this point, saying “In Ukraine too, we proudly stand with the attacked, and are against an unfair peace agreement. We say yes to a just peace, without the capitulation of the invaded country.”
This unwavering stance counters growing pressure from Washington for a hasty negotiated settlement that would see Ukraine forced into territorial concessions. In light of America’s retreat from its financial commitments, European nations are exploring innovative funding methods for Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction.
Norway is considering tapping into its 1.7 trillion sovereign wealth fund to ramp up aid. Guri Melby, leader of Norway’s Liberal Party, highlighting the urgency of the situation, said “Norway is one of the few countries that has large amounts of money readily available, and we must therefore multiply our support for Ukraine immediately.”
Meanwhile, in a significant policy shift, the EU might consider using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defence. This week French Prime Minister François Bayrou stated that “Using the assets themselves,“ in addition to the interest they generate, “can only be considered within the framework of the European Union.”
The EU’s commitment to Ukraine is not without its challenges, but as America pivots from unreliable ally to active dealmaker with Russia, European leaders appear more determined than ever to chart their own course.
The stakes could not be higher. If Ukraine falls due to America’s diplomatic betrayal, Europe’s security landscape will be irreversibly altered, and the message to authoritarian regimes worldwide will be clear: aggression pays. In response, Europe is not only reaffirming its support for Kyiv but also laying the groundwork for a new era of strategic autonomy, one where the continent takes full responsibility for its security and that of its allies. With Ukraine’s survival on the line, Europe is not just standing with Ukraine. It is standing for itself.
