FT: EU voices concern over potential US cut in Ukraine support

European Union (EU) authorities acknowledge the risk that Washington could cut assistance to Ukraine if peace efforts stall.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen stressed that any viable and lasting peace initiative must halt the bloodshed, end the war and avoid planting the seeds of a future conflict, the Financial Times (FT) reports.

She highlighted three essential principles: borders must not be altered by force; Ukraine, as a sovereign state, cannot face restrictions on its military capabilities; and the European Union’s role in securing peace must be fully acknowledged.

The initial US proposal violated several long-standing Ukrainian red lines, among them the idea of ceding the remaining part of Donetsk province — territory Russia has failed to capture since its 2014 offensive.

One European official warned that Trump could withdraw US backing out of frustration, leaving President Zelenskyy and Ukraine dangerously vulnerable. “That’s a scenario we are obviously planning for,” the official said.

Diplomats expect additional talks next week involving France, Germany and the UK, with possible participation from Poland, Finland and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

On November 23, US and Ukrainian officials met in Geneva to negotiate revisions to a controversial 28-point peace plan first proposed by the US administration.

Both sides described the meeting as “constructive” and said they made “meaningful progress,” agreeing to update and refine the framework to better reflect Ukraine’s core concerns.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the talks were among the most productive so far, and pledged that some changes would be made based on Ukrainian input.

The joint statement emphasised that any future agreement must fully uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and provide a just, enforceable peace.

By Jeyhun Aghazada