Senior White House officials are reportedly losing patience with European leaders, who they claim are privately urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to hold out for an unrealistic peace deal. Officials suggest that some countries are trying to shift the full cost of the war onto the United States, despite promising support. While British and French officials are considered constructive, other European states appear to be “operating in a fairy-tale land,” one source told Axios.
++ Kemi Badenoch slams councils over removal of St George’s cross flags
The frustrations follow a series of negative briefings about Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy, with anonymous sources telling Politico that the property developer and Trump associate was inexperienced and had been “played” by Russia. The setbacks have cast doubt on the previously anticipated meeting between Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, which was expected to pave the way for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Trump has hinted at the possibility of American jets being deployed to Europe to police Ukrainian airspace, providing a security guarantee without stationing troops in Ukraine. He suggested that the United States would assist Europe if necessary, in a plan that forms part of broader discussions on how to support Ukraine’s defence and deter further Russian aggression.
++ Isle of wight Helicopter crash: operators urge caution over pilot error claims
Additionally, private US military contractors may be deployed to Ukraine to rebuild front-line defences, construct new bases, and protect American businesses. This is part of a “coalition of the willing” initiative led by the UK and France, designed to offer long-term security guarantees while avoiding boots on the ground. Trump emphasised that such measures would help Europe manage the conflict, but American troops would remain off Ukrainian soil.
