European leaders have renewed pressure on Donald Trump to distance himself from Vladimir Putin following reports that Russia is increasingly deploying chemical weapons in Ukraine. The warnings come in response to what Ukraine described as the largest aerial assault of the war to date, involving over 500 drones and missiles aimed at overwhelming its defences. Poland’s foreign minister, Radek Sikorski, publicly challenged Trump’s faltering efforts to negotiate peace, accusing Putin of ridiculing the former US president’s diplomatic initiatives.
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At the same time, German and Dutch officials revealed intelligence suggesting that Russian forces are systematically using tear gas and other choking agents against Ukrainian troops in trenches. Defence officials warned that such methods were becoming routine for Moscow, signalling a disturbing shift in battlefield tactics. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans expressed concern over the increasing normalisation of chemical warfare, while Ukraine continues to face weapons shortages following a suspension of US military aid.
The Pentagon has insisted the halt is merely a “pause” while American supplies are reviewed globally. However, no such delay has been imposed on deliveries to other allies, particularly Israel, which has received a surge in US military assistance despite mounting international criticism. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly urged Washington to resume support, arguing that the delay emboldens Russia and undermines Kyiv’s capacity to resist the Kremlin’s summer offensive.
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Trump, meanwhile, has shown growing frustration over Putin’s lack of cooperation, but has failed to respond with clear punitive measures. Despite several discussions between the two leaders, there has been little progress. Russia continues its campaign in eastern Ukraine, claiming full control of Luhansk province and demanding to retain several annexed regions as a condition for any ceasefire. With the US stepping back, European NATO members are preparing to fill the strategic void, but Ukraine’s ability to hold the line remains in jeopardy as it faces relentless attacks and the rising threat of AI-driven warfare.
