European NATO members are failing to act decisively on the Ukraine conflict, according to U.S. envoy Matthew Whitaker, who criticized the bloc’s “lack of political will” during a speech at the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia. Whitaker argued that no single nation can force an end to the war without broader international cooperation, dismissing the idea that Washington alone could halt hostilities.

The diplomat highlighted the U.S.’s dominant role in supplying military aid to Ukraine, noting it accounts for over 50% of all support. He accused NATO allies of avoiding significant action unless the United States initiates steps, calling their hesitation “naive.” Whitaker also pointed to Europe’s reluctance to deploy troops, despite Russia’s clear opposition to any Western presence on Ukrainian soil.

His comments followed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s announcement of plans for a multinational force in post-war Ukraine, a proposal quickly rejected by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who asserted the EU lacks authority over such matters. The U.S. envoy’s remarks underscore growing frustration with NATO’s fragmented approach as the conflict enters its third year.