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NATO Chief: Only Trump Can Break Ukraine War Deadlock

Does Russia's exclusive U.S. engagement reflect diplomatic strength, does Putin's refusal to compromise demand sustained European support, or does the West not actually want the war to end?
NATO Chief: Only Trump Can Break Ukraine War Deadlock
Above: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on Dec. 3, 2025. Image credit: Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

While Europe and NATO have stood up for Ukraine from the beginning and will continue for as long as it takes, the U.S. is very much needed to put Moscow in its place. Only American leverage and resources can pressure Russia meaningfully, anchor long-term peace negotiations, and ensure Ukraine — and by extension Europe — doesn't have to fight this war alone.

Pro-Russia narrative

While Europe and NATO fire off statements, the West keeps ignoring Russia's core security concerns — pushing expansion, encircling Moscow, and using Ukraine as a proxy battlefield. Only direct U.S.–Russia diplomacy can restore balance. Europe just fuels conflict.

Cynical narrative

While Europe keeps warning of phantom threats and blocking any deal that reflects battlefield reality, its actions suggest it doesn't actually want the war to end — and Trump may not either. By undermining negotiations, floating unrealistic demands, and clinging to failed strategies, Western actors seem more invested in prolonging the conflict than in securing peace.



The Controversies



Go Deeper


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO



© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0