Europe Convenes Amid Growing US-Ukraine Policy Rift

The recent shift in U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration is causing significant strain in transatlantic relations, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. European leaders gathered in Paris for an emergency meeting following alarming remarks from U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who criticized NATO commitments and downplayed Ukraine's territorial recovery. Their statements, coupled with plans for U.S.-Russian peace talks that exclude European input, have raised fears among European nations about being sidelined in security discussions. Estonia’s Foreign Minister emphasized the necessity for Europe to take more responsibility for its security interests amid these developments. There's a palpable sense of urgency as European leaders strategize how to respond to the changing dynamics, with many voicing concerns that the U.S. approach could embolden Russia. Critics argue that this rift undermines NATO’s unity and could have long-term ramifications for Western alliances.