White House Accuses European Leaders of Undermining Ukraine Peace Efforts

Senior White House officials are accusing certain European leaders of secretly undermining peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, despite public support for President Trump's diplomatic efforts. The allegations come just weeks after a summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with little tangible progress reported since then.

Frustrated Trump aides assert that European allies are pressuring Ukraine to hold out for unrealistic territorial concessions from Russia, complicating efforts to end the conflict. "The Europeans don't get to prolong this war and backdoor unreasonable expectations, while also expecting America to bear the cost," a top White House official told Axios. This sentiment reflects growing impatience among U.S. officials toward their European counterparts.

The White House is advocating for stricter sanctions against Russia, including a total halt of oil and gas purchases and secondary tariffs on nations like India and China. These measures are viewed as essential to exerting pressure on Moscow, yet European reluctance to adopt them is causing tension.

Trump's administration is contemplating a withdrawal from diplomatic talks if both sides do not demonstrate a willingness to negotiate. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that both Ukrainian President Zelensky and Putin must be ready to end the war, stating, "Perhaps both sides of this war are not ready to end it themselves."

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As the situation evolves, the U.S. administration's next steps remain uncertain, particularly in light of Trump's recent meeting with European leaders and Zelensky just two weeks prior. The ongoing dynamics could significantly influence future negotiations and the broader geopolitical landscape.