Overview
- The White House’s updated National Security Strategy criticizes EU governance and urges Europe to assume primary responsibility for its defense.
- European Council President António Costa called the document intrusive, saying the U.S. should not determine which political parties in Europe are acceptable.
- Germany rejected parts of the critique, defended free expression in the EU, and disputed the strategy’s failure to classify Russia as a threat.
- CNN reported European fears that the U.S. shift could influence Ukraine talks, while Volodymyr Zelensky said the American plan needs more discussion on territorial questions and security guarantees and is consulting UK, German, and French leaders in London.
- The Kremlin said it seeks clarity on results of recent U.S.–Ukraine contacts following meetings with U.S. envoys in Moscow, and European officials are avoiding public social‑media confrontations with Washington.