- The EU is mobilizing a contingency strategy to sustain support for Ukraine if the US under Trump withdraws from peace negotiations.
- European leaders are forming a "coalition of the willing" to bolster military and financial aid, despite internal divisions.
- Trump’s rumored peace plan, seen as favoring Russia, has sparked backlash in Ukraine and among Western allies.
EU Races to 'Trump-Proof' Ukraine Support
The European Union is quietly advancing a backup plan to ensure continued military and financial assistance for Ukraine, anticipating a potential US retreat from peace talks should Donald Trump return to the White House. According to officials familiar with the discussions, the bloc is assembling a coalition of key member states—led by France and Germany—to coordinate aid independently of Washington. The move follows growing unease over Trump’s proposed peace terms, which reportedly include recognizing Russian territorial gains and lifting sanctions.
"We cannot afford to be caught flat-footed if American support evaporates," said one EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. "The goal is to keep Ukraine’s defenses intact, regardless of what happens across the Atlantic." The EU has already earmarked €23 billion ($26.2 billion) for Ukraine in 2025, signaling its readiness to fill any funding gap.
Divisions and Diplomatic Headwinds
Hungary remains a persistent obstacle, blocking consensus on sanctions and other Ukraine-related measures. Meanwhile, Trump’s alleged peace framework—which would freeze current frontlines and bar Kyiv from NATO—has drawn sharp criticism. "This isn’t peace; it’s capitulation," a Ukrainian government adviser told reporters. Market analysts warn that lifting sanctions could disrupt European energy markets, favoring Russian exporters.
Efforts to finalize the EU’s contingency plans are ongoing, with a focus on bilateral agreements to sidestep vetoes. "The mood is urgent," another official said. "Every day wasted risks leaving Ukraine vulnerable."