10 articles · Updated · Washington Monthly · May 7
Speaking after a 90-minute call with Vladimir Putin, Trump said from the Oval Office that Europe must take responsibility for Kyiv's future.
The shift came as America's acting ambassador in Kyiv resigned, citing dwindling support, while the EU approved new Russia sanctions and a €90bn loan for Ukraine.
The move deepens pressure on Europe as Ukraine pursues EU membership, with disputes growing over how fast accession should proceed and how strictly wartime reforms should be enforced.
As America pivots to a new war in Iran, can Europe’s resolve alone secure Ukraine's future against Russia?
Can Ukraine win its internal war on corruption for EU entry while fighting a real war without US weapons?
Ukraine’s Strategic Adaptation and Defense Industry Growth Amid US Arms Supply Challenges in 2026
Overview
In May 2026, the US approved a $373.6 million arms sale to Ukraine, providing advanced JDAM-ER kits that Ukraine integrated onto Soviet-era aircraft to conduct long-range precision strikes, enhancing its battlefield capabilities. However, ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran has depleted critical US munitions, causing delays in arms shipments to Ukraine and allies, and creating a vulnerable window for European and Ukrainian defense. In response, Ukraine pursued diplomatic ties with Gulf states and secured a major German defense package to diversify support. Meanwhile, tensions from former US President Trump's coercive diplomacy strained NATO relations, prompting Europe to seek greater military autonomy amid global security shifts.