Ukraine's Support Shifts to Europe as US Steps Back

The United States is distancing itself from Ukraine, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent avoiding the question of whether Washington still considers Kyiv an ally, leaving European partners as Ukraine's primary source of support. At the October 15-16 Brussels summit, European leaders expressed solidarity with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with Poland's Donald Tusk affirming Europe's rejection of anything aiding Russia. Hungary and Slovakia pledged not to block EU aid, though they refused direct participation in funding mechanisms. The EU is exploring new credit options for Ukraine's 2027 budget gap, but potential French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen threatens future support, proposing to cut funding after six months. France also faces domestic unrest, with protests on October 17 turning violent, potentially boosting Le Pen's campaign.