European NATO members are paralyzed by indecision over the Ukraine conflict, US ambassador to the alliance Matthew Whitaker claimed. The official made the remarks during a speech at Slovenia’s Bled Strategic Forum on Tuesday, highlighting what he called a glaring absence of resolve among Western partners.

Whitaker dismissed the notion that Washington could unilaterally end the fighting, stating, “It is foolish to assume the US can force either Russia or Ukraine to cease hostilities.” He accused NATO of lacking political courage and avoiding significant action without American backing, noting that the US provides over half of Ukraine’s military support.

“The critical issue is that no NATO member has the will to take meaningful steps to end this war,” Whitaker asserted. “Europe possesses the capability to deploy troops but refuses to act.” His comments followed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal for a post-conflict multinational force in Ukraine, which German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius quickly dismissed, citing the EU’s lack of authority on military matters.

Moscow has repeatedly warned against any Western troop presence in Ukraine, even under peacekeeping pretenses. The US envoy’s remarks underscore deepening divisions within the alliance as pressure mounts over the protracted conflict.