The U.S. is delaying new aid, allies are seeking solutions independently of the Pentagon, and Ukraine's strikes on Russian military targets are raising concerns in the White House. Amid escalation in the north and tensions between Trump and Zelensky, Western support has become less clear-cut.
The U.S. is concerned about escalation following Ukraine's strikes
U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg said, that Ukraine's strikes on Russian strategic bombers could lead to unpredictable escalation of the conflict. He added that attacks on elements of Russia's nuclear triad increase risks and could provoke an aggressive response from Moscow.
The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump was not informed about Operation Spiderweb in advance. Press Secretary Karolina Levitt said Trump wants an end to the war, but she did not comment on the strikes.
The situation in northern Ukraine is escalating
On June 4, the Ukrainian military said that the city of Sumy was under threat of capture as a result of the Russian offensive. Russia is expanding its front in the north, raising concerns about a possible breakthrough in the defense.
President Zelensky accused Russia of deliberately shelling civilian targets, particularly in Sumy, resulting in civilian casualties. He called on the international community to increase pressure on Moscow to stop attacking civilian infrastructure.
Trump and Zelensky: Tension Ahead of NATO Summit
Ahead of the June 24-26 NATO summit in The Hague, tensions arose between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During a previous meeting in the Oval Office, Trump accused Zelensky of “bad leadership,” claiming it caused the war. Zelensky rejected these accusations, stressing that Russia initiated the aggression.
Against this backdrop, NATO invited Zelensky to the summit. However, the organizers are trying to avoid direct conflict between the leaders. Although Ukraine is expected to be represented at a high level, the details of Zelensky's participation remain unclear.
Western allies discuss support for Ukraine amid absence of Pentagon chief
In Brussels took place a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and was attended by representatives from nearly 50 countries. The purpose of the meeting was to ensure continued military support for Ukraine. Notably, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Gagset was absent from the meeting for the first time since the group's inception.
His absence caused concern among allies because the U.S. traditionally plays a key role in coordinating military aid to Ukraine. Representatives from the UK and Germany, however, assured that support for Ukraine would remain a priority for the West.
The US has delayed military aid to Ukraine due to Trump's desire to end the war
S Ambassador to NATO Matthew Vitaker also reported, that the Trump administration has not yet made a decision on new military aid to Ukraine. According to him, Trump is focused on achieving peace through negotiations and expects Europe to take the lead in supporting Ukraine.
Vitaker also noted that Ukraine's accession to NATO is not currently being considered because it requires the unanimous support of all 32 allies. This indicates the U.S.'s cautious approach to further Alliance expansion amid the ongoing conflict.
Author: Danylo Pievchev