European officials are increasingly worried that Washington may scale back or even withdraw from its role in the Ukraine conflict. According to accounts described to Bloomberg, the concern centers on the possibility that President Donald Trump could negotiate directly with Moscow, leaving European states to manage a complex conflict without the backing that has anchored Western policy since 2022. Several governments fear that a US retreat would reshape the balance of diplomatic and military leverage, with Europe absorbing responsibilities it has not fully prepared for.
Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner held talks in Moscow this week, where they explored potential terms for a political settlement. President Vladimir Putin characterized the discussions as necessary and useful, although he dismissed elements of the American plan. Trump later said the delegation left Moscow believing there was broad interest in ending the conflict, though the substance of the conversations remains confidential.
Officials quoted in the Bloomberg report outlined two potential outcomes. The most disruptive scenario would involve a full US exit from the issue, a relaxation of pressure on Russia, restrictions on Ukraine’s use of US weapons, and the termination of intelligence sharing. Analysts view such a shift as a major strategic break that would force Europe to reassess its military posture and its political cohesion. A more limited adjustment, still considered plausible, would see Washington ease out of negotiations while continuing to sell weapons to NATO members and maintaining intelligence cooperation.
Statements in Trump’s recently released 33 page National Security Strategy added to anxieties. The document warned that Europe risks marginalization unless it addresses political and cultural vulnerabilities. It criticized European partners for holding unrealistic expectations about the conflict and displaying insufficient self confidence toward Russia, while also noting that the US remains open to structured dialogue with Moscow when aligned with American priorities.
Former UK defense attaché John Foreman said the risk of a full US disengagement cannot be discounted and would shift responsibility to Europe. Meanwhile, earlier reporting indicated that Witkoff had offered Moscow guidance on framing a proposal that Trump might accept. In Europe, political reactions have varied. French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly warned that the US could betray Ukraine, while German opposition leader Friedrich Merz accused Washington of playing games with European security. These comments reflect a broader uncertainty across the continent about the durability of US commitments.
Europe’s internal debates complicate the picture. The EU continues to examine ways to use roughly €260 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets held at Euroclear. Progress remains slow because Belgium insists on safeguards and Hungary has blocked previous plans. The US opposes full seizure of the assets and favors using only the profits they generate. Merz argued that any funds should remain under EU control and support European priorities rather than external strategies.