EU fears Trump could cut off Ukraine support — Politico
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
The greatest fear among EU leaders is that a war between the US and Iran could force US President Donald Trump to reconsider his support for Ukraine, according to Politico.
As four European diplomats tell the agency, EU governments are terrified that Trump might retaliate against allies for refusing to help in the Middle East—specifically by cutting off support for Kyiv.
"As they scramble to avoid a permanent break in the transatlantic relationship, leaders hope their offer of limited support for his action against Tehran will suffice to convince Trump to stay the course in the conflict with Russia," writes Politico.
According to the agency, Trump has recently sharply criticized European countries for refusing to support his actions in the region and has even linked continued US participation in NATO to their stance on Iran.
Moscow’s proposal has also created additional tension: the Kremlin will allegedly stop sharing intelligence with Iran in exchange for halting the transfer of information to Ukraine. Although the US has rejected this proposal, the very fact of such negotiations is cause for concern.
Missiles like candy
According to diplomats, the war in Iran is also depleting the stockpiles of missiles and air defense systems that Ukraine needs.
"When you see what Trump did on Greenland, how he cut off intelligence-sharing with Ukraine on a whim, there’s always a risk [that Trump could remove U.S. support for Ukraine]," says one diplomat.
Another diplomat emphasizes that the Middle East is diverting resources away from Ukraine.
"The Emiratis are shooting out Patriot [air defense missiles] like candies, whereas Ukraine desperately needs them. It can’t become an either-or situation," he adds.
Damage control
Against this backdrop, European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, are stepping up their efforts to demonstrate support for US actions regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Rutte publicly praised the actions of the US and Israel, calling the destruction of Iran’s military capabilities "very important" and directly linking it to European security.
In telephone conversations, Macron assured Trump that France is ready to help unblock the strait as soon as possible.
Starmer, for his part, initiated a joint statement by seven European and allied countries expressing their "readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait".
Responding to a question about the purpose of this statement, one of the diplomats explained: "It’s part of the same effort. We need to show Trump we are active in the Middle East. It’s in our interests, but also in Ukraine’s."
As the source noted, in relations with Trump, "appearances matter — sometimes more than substance".
Disputes between Trump and EU over Iran war
The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran led to Tehran effectively blocking the Strait of Hormuz—a key route through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies pass. This immediately caused a sharp rise in energy prices.
Against this backdrop, Trump called on EU countries to join efforts to unblock the strait. However, many countries, including France and Germany, declined to participate.
Trump then sharply criticized his NATO allies, calling their position a "very foolish mistake", and stated that the US role in the Alliance needed to be reevaluated.
He also made personal attacks, specifically against British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whom, according to media reports, he called a "loser".
Furthermore, in response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s refusal to participate in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, he said that Macron would soon leave office.
