KYIV: Ukraine is shopping for a new patron after Washington eased Russia sanctions in a fuel deal.
Zelensky asked Brussels for €70 billion in war funding as his relationship with Trump collapsed over sanctions relief for Moscow.
Europe now faces a choice: fill the gap left by American retreat, or watch Ukraine negotiate from a position of growing weakness.
The next EU budget cycle will show whether the continent can afford to lead without Washington.
◆ Why it matters
Trump’s decision to ease Russia sanctions for diesel supply has shattered the fragile transatlantic alignment on Ukraine. Zelensky is now testing whether Europe can carry the financial weight of the war alone. If Brussels balks at €70 billion, Kyiv’s leverage at any future negotiating table shrinks fast, and Moscow knows it.
Source: France 24