Zelenskyy Rebukes Europe as EU Fears Future with U.S.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly criticized European leaders. He said they have failed to lead "in defending freedom" during the war in Ukraine. This rebuke comes at a sensitive time. Leaders in the European Union are increasingly worried about their long-term relationship with the United States. Their concern persists despite a recent change in position by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump had initially said he would encourage Russia to attack NATO allies who did not spend enough on defense. He later called the remark a negotiation tactic. European officials see this as a temporary climbdown. They remain alarmed that the core U.S. commitment to European security could change after the next American election. The dual pressures expose a deep anxiety in European capitals. They face immediate criticism from a key ally in Ukraine over military support, while also fearing a fundamental shift in their primary security partnership with Washington.