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EU to lead talks on support for Ukraine with US, Nato, partners – Europe live
German foreign minister Johann Wadephul said the US midterm results could bring both continuity and change to Germany’s dealings with Washington. Berlin would keep seeking compromise with the Trump administration, while engaging more broadly with Democrats after their strong electoral performance.
Wadephul said he hoped the results would encourage more cross-party discussion in Congress about support for Ukraine, an issue he said had received limited attention during the campaign. He argued that Russia’s war threatens security and freedom in both Europe and the United States, and pointed to supporters of Ukraine in both parties and chambers of Congress.
In short
- Germany will continue seeking common ground with the Trump administration.
- Wadephul hopes for more bipartisan debate on support for Ukraine.
- He says Russia’s war threatens freedom and security on both sides of the Atlantic.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A strong case for Wadephul’s approach is that Russia’s war threatens the security and freedom of both Europe and the United States, so sustained support for Ukraine serves shared interests. Working with the Trump administration while widening contact with Democrats could build broader, more durable backing in Congress and help keep the issue in public debate.
The case against
A cautious case is that deeper US support for Ukraine may be contested by voters and legislators who prioritise domestic concerns or question the costs and aims of continued assistance. Germany’s effort to engage across the US political spectrum may also prove difficult if partisan divisions deepen, and could not by itself resolve disagreements over policy.
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