European leaders were left unsettled after meetings with Trump administration officials, as tensions over the future of NATO and Ukraine deepened. Following a whirlwind diplomatic tour, it became increasingly clear that Europe could no longer rely on the United States as it once had.
While critical questions—such as America’s commitment to Ukraine—remain unanswered, one thing is certain: a deep rift is forming within the Western alliance.
After three years of war that solidified NATO’s unity, Trump officials signaled a shift in priorities. The administration appears focused on Asia, Latin America, and the Arctic, prioritizing access to strategic mineral resources over traditional security commitments.
European officials who met with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth now expect a significant withdrawal of American troops from the continent. The key questions are how many will leave and how quickly.
Even more concerning, they fear that in direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump may agree to a settlement that allows Russia to control a significant portion of Ukraine, potentially paving the way for further territorial ambitions.
These anxieties were on full display at the Munich Security Conference, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that “Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs.” Calling for an independent European military force, Zelensky suggested a defense strategy that operates without U.S. influence or control.
Behind closed doors, tensions escalated further. In a private meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Zelensky reportedly rejected an extraordinary American proposal: granting the U.S. a 50% stake in Ukraine’s critical mineral resources—such as graphite, lithium, and uranium—in exchange for continued military and financial support. European officials condemned the proposal, likening it to colonial-era exploitation.
While European leaders remain alarmed, the Trump administration’s stance on NATO and Ukraine remains unclear. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, confirmed in Munich that the U.S. intends to act as a “mediator” between Russia and Ukraine—without European involvement. This uncertainty has left allies questioning whether the U.S. will come to their defense if Russia expands its ambitions beyond Ukraine.
The crisis marks a stark contrast from previous U.S. administrations. In 2017, when Trump first took office, officials like Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Vice President Mike Pence reassured NATO allies of America’s commitment. Now, European leaders say that Trump’s team, including Hegseth and Senator J.D. Vance, appears intent on fostering division rather than unity.
French President Emmanuel Macron has responded by calling an emergency meeting of European leaders, including those from Germany, Britain, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark. The gathering, set to take place in Paris, will focus on Ukraine and Europe’s evolving security landscape.
Meanwhile, European officials have taken note of Trump’s growing ties with Russia. His recent 90-minute phone call with Putin—conducted without consulting allies—has reinforced concerns of a U.S. pivot toward Moscow. Additionally, J.D. Vance’s meetings with far-right European parties aligned with Russia have raised further suspicion.
For many in Munich, the past few weeks have shattered the unity forged in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Some fear that Europe could be left on its own, forced to defend itself without U.S. military backing.
“This is a fundamental shift,” said German lawmaker Norbert Röttgen. “This administration does not consider European security a primary U.S. interest.”
With America turning inward, European leaders must now prepare for a new reality—one in which their greatest ally is no longer a reliable partner.