Europe shifts Ukraine strategy as Trump pushes to end war

The strategy for Ukraine is quietly shifting in Europe to match the changing tone of the United States — from a promise of unyielding support to an effort to bring Kyiv to the bargaining table with a strong hand, reported from Politico.

That new strategy will play out most clearly this week at the Munich Security Conference, one of the biggest gatherings of defense leaders in the world.

It’s a dramatic departure from the Biden era, when the meeting reinforced the U.S. and its allies had Ukraine’s back for, as former President Joe Biden often said, “as long as it takes.” And while Europe still insists it will support the country three years into Russia’s invasion, the conversations this weekend could signal the direction of the embattled country’s future.

“How [Europeans] position themselves… to be at the table rather than being on the menu,” said Camille Grand, a former NATO assistant secretary general. “That’s the whole debate.”

European leaders — in a sign they’re adapting to President Donald Trump’s desire to end the war — are flaunting hard power credentials to show they would play a leading role in peace talks.