EU preparing new Ukraine defense strategy as Trump threatens to exit peace talks - The Telegraph

"Let’s get real and admit the US will never be on board," said a Western official describing the meeting in The Hague.

According to The Telegraph, citing sources familiar with the talks in The Hague, European countries that recently prepared for a possible peace deal with Russia under Washington's leadership are now shifting focus. They are moving toward long-term defense of Ukraine without American support.

The meeting of "political directors" from foreign ministries in the Netherlands signaled that the Coalition of the Willing, led by Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, is shifting its focus.

More than 30 countries backed the concept, but only a few publicly declared readiness to deploy troops.

US opposition to Ukraine joining NATO

"It was mostly about how to sustain the necessary support to Ukraine when we assume that the US would only continue providing some specific assets, such as intelligence," explained one diplomat.

The current US administration continues to supply weapons contracted under Biden but has not signed new deals.

Washington allowed the sale of F-16 parts to Ukraine and permitted Europeans to supply US-made weapons.

However, Ukraine's NATO membership is a red line for Trump. His representative, General Keith Kellogg, stated this explicitly. He added that even among NATO allies, there are opponents of this move.

European countries also plan to invite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the NATO summit in The Hague next month. Earlier, his participation was uncertain due to Trump's position.

Amid fading hopes for US mediation, Kyiv insists on clear conditions from Moscow before the next round of talks in Istanbul. Ukraine demands an official peace memorandum from the Kremlin.

What's next

Next week will be crucial diplomatically. On Monday, a new round of talks between Ukraine and Russia is scheduled in Istanbul. National Security Advisors from Britain, Germany, and France will attend.

At the same time, Britain and Germany will hold a meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's defense. About 50 countries will coordinate further military support for Kyiv.

Possible US exit from talks

The US is considering withdrawing from peace negotiations if Russia makes the wrong decision and continues the war.

A US representative stressed that America will support the peace process if Russia and Ukraine are genuinely interested in peace. The US will cooperate with both countries, the EU, and the UN. The cooperation aims to achieve peace, starting with a ceasefire.