Europe Faces Tough Choices After Trump-Zelensky Clash

Europe is stepping up efforts to support Ukraine and bolster its defense capabilities, but the public feud between President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky has put the continent in a difficult position.

The heated exchange between the two leaders at the White House last week shattered European efforts to mend their relationship and cast serious doubt on future U.S. aid for Ukraine.

Trump’s anger and threats to cut support if Ukraine refuses to accept a peace deal brokered by Washington signal a major shift in U.S. foreign policy—one that appears to move away from traditional European allies and toward Moscow. While the Kremlin welcomes this shift, European leaders are concerned and confused by the sudden change in Washington’s stance.

Many fear that if the war ends with a peace deal unfavorable to Ukraine, it won’t address Europe’s security concerns, especially in Eastern European countries wary of Russian aggression.

Europe Under Pressure to Act Independently

With America’s role in Ukraine’s security increasingly uncertain, European policymakers are assessing their military capabilities to determine how much they can intervene without U.S. support.

However, analysts note that Europe will take years to build the necessary weapons systems and defense infrastructure to truly become independent from the U.S. militarily. Balancing internal security and increased aid to Ukraine requires decisive action and unified political will, something that the European Union (EU) has historically struggled with.

"Right now, everything depends on Europe. The question is: How will they respond?" said Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer, acting president of the German Marshall Fund. "They have no other choice."

London and Paris Take the Lead

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, fresh from a visit to Washington, reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine while welcoming President Zelensky to London on March 1.

His office confirmed that Starmer held private calls with both Trump and Zelensky after their White House clash and is "doing everything possible to find a lasting peace path for Ukraine."

French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have also spoken to Zelensky in recent days.

Rutte called the Oval Office dispute "unfortunate" but emphasized that Zelensky must "work to rebuild relations" with Trump and the U.S. government.

When asked by the BBC whether European allies could fully replace U.S. support for Ukraine, Rutte dismissed the idea.

"The key is that we must get through this together," he said. "We must move past what happened."

Can Europe Fill the Gap?

European leaders are debating ways to ensure Ukraine’s security if a peace deal is reached, including what terms they can accept and what level of aid they can provide.

At the London security summit for Ukraine on March 2, Britain and France led a coalition of willing partners to develop a peace plan.

Despite pledging increased support for Ukraine, European leaders expressed hope that the U.S. and Ukraine could repair ties, revealing their reluctance to fully replace the transatlantic alliance that has kept Europe stable for 80 years.

"We are at a historic crossroads," Starmer said after the summit. "Europe must shoulder a heavy burden," he added, but stressed that "for peace to succeed, U.S. backing remains crucial."

Challenges in Achieving European Defense Autonomy

Achieving greater defense autonomy while continuing aid to Ukraine won’t be easy for Europe.

Financially, it will be costly.

The U.S. has spent approximately $114 billion in military, financial, and humanitarian aid for Ukraine since 2022.
European nations have contributed around $132 billion.
Taking on a larger share of Ukraine’s support would strain European economies further.

Militarily, the U.S. provides crucial weapons systems that Europe cannot quickly replace.

NATO members have boosted defense spending by 30% since 2021, but some countries still haven’t met the alliance’s 2% GDP defense spending target.
Germany, France, and smaller economies like Belgium are reluctant to cut social services to fund military expansion.

A Divided European Front

European officials have been negotiating a new aid package for Ukraine, expected to reach tens of billions of dollars.

However, just before the Trump-Zelensky meeting, diplomats hoped that a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal would convince hesitant European nations to increase contributions.

But divisions remain:

Hungary is expected to block additional EU-wide aid for Ukraine, which could force individual nations to contribute separately.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban praised Trump after his clash with Zelensky, writing on social media: "America has courageously fought for peace, even if many find it hard to accept."

Will Europe Deploy Peacekeeping Troops?

European officials are also considering whether, when, and how to deploy peacekeeping forces to Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached.

The UK and France have expressed willingness to send troops, but after the Oval Office clash, some European leaders feel time is running out.

"We are no longer in a phase of calm deliberation," said Scheffer from the German Marshall Fund.

"Europe must act very, very seriously—right now."

(Sources: Washington Post, AFP, Reuters)