Trump aides reportedly ‘fed up' with Europe's support for Ukraine
Aides to US President Donald Trump are reportedly 'fed up' with European efforts to support Ukraine, according to diplomats, as the administration scales back its own military and diplomatic engagement in the conflict.
According to The Economist, recent steps by the Trump administration highlight a continued withdrawal of support for Ukraine.
These include a military pullout from a key base in Rzeszow, Poland, a reduced role in the Ukraine Defence Contact Group—commonly known as the Ramstein Format—and the imposition of a 10% tariff on Ukrainian goods, which has not been applied to Russia.
The publication further notes that Pentagon officials have recently questioned an allied nation about its ongoing weapons supply to Ukraine, underlining a shift in the US posture.
Washington-based diplomats told The Economist that some within Trump's inner circle have privately expressed frustration at Europe's attempts to reinforce Ukrainian defences.
'As always with such a chaotic administration, it is hard to distinguish the true signal from the noise,' the magazine states, pointing to uncertainty over the administration's long-term intentions.
European leaders have responded by pursuing a dual approach. The UK and France are reportedly leading a push for a European "reassurance force" to be deployed post-ceasefire, aiming to deter Russia and reassure NATO allies.
However, the US has not committed to backing such an initiative, and Russia opposes the plan.
Simultaneously, European nations are increasing military assistance to Ukraine. David Shimer, a former National Security Council official under Joe Biden, urged European countries to accelerate support.
He recommended increasing arms supplies, funding Ukraine's defence sector, and negotiating with Trump's team to acquire US-made air defence systems, potentially financed through frozen Russian assets.
With Russia continuing its full-scale invasion and the US stepping back, Shimer warned that Ukraine will have no choice but to keep fighting largely with European backing.
Trump has previously distanced himself from the war, calling it 'Biden's war, not mine' and reportedly suggesting Russia made a strategic error in the Sumy region of Ukraine.
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