The United States’ Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, has issued a sharp rebuke to European allies, demanding a significant increase in their financial and material support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. In an interview with “ARD Tagesthemen” Whitaker argued that European nations must decisively end their reliance on Russian energy imports, highlighting the continued purchases of oil and gas by some countries as a direct contribution to the Russian war effort.
“There’s no justification for funding the Russian war machine” Whitaker stated plainly, suggesting a shift towards acquiring energy resources from the United States as an alternative. He emphasized that every dollar or euro spent on Russian oil and gas directly bolsters Russia’s ability to sustain its military operations.
Beyond energy, Whitaker pressed European partners to substantially increase ammunition supply to Ukraine, noting the consistent provision of munitions by the United States. He underscored a reciprocal expectation that European allies bear a greater financial burden for these crucial supplies. The ambassador asserted the necessity of strengthening defense capabilities not only for Ukraine but also for the collective security of the transatlantic alliance.
Whitaker placed the onus for initiating peace negotiations squarely on Russia. He asserted that Moscow has repeatedly demonstrated unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue or consider a ceasefire, a point he connected to the policy of US President Donald Trump. According to Whitaker, Trump’s efforts are focused on creating the conditions favorable for Russia to participate in negotiations, but he expressed frustration with Putin’s continued escalations despite apparent gestures towards de-escalation.
The ambassador insisted on maintaining intense pressure on Russia, a strategy he attributes to Trump’s leadership. This pressure, he specified, includes continued and expanded sanctions. “We expect our European allies and Germany included, to join us and exert the same pressure” Whitaker declared, signaling a potential escalation in diplomatic tensions and a concerted effort to realign European policy with the US’s more hawkish stance. The remarks suggest a growing disparity in transatlantic approaches and raise questions regarding the unity of NATO’s response to the ongoing conflict.
