Europe faces security risk as Washington and Moscow move closer

A potential rapprochement between Washington and Moscow threatens European security, accelerated by the upcoming US midterm elections on November 3. President Trump has shifted blame for fuel prices to Ukraine, suspended Russian energy sanctions, and suggested peace is near after talks with Putin. Trump's envoy met Zelensky in Oslo, where a ceasefire proposal was deemed unencouraging by Moscow, and attacks continued amid Kyiv's missile shortages. A US-mediated technical meeting is possible in Abu Dhabi around November 10, while Europe maintains sanctions and provides most aid to Ukraine. Europe faces a dual challenge: potential full US disengagement from Ukraine and maintaining NATO deterrence credibility without full American support. This would require accelerated EU rearmament plans and stronger cooperation among willing allies, decisions that may become unavoidable.