White House clash raises tough question for Ukraine: How long could it fight without US?

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. A combative White House meeting has presented Ukraine with the prospect of fighting Russia without the support of its primary military backer through the first three years of the war. Now, the question is whether Europe has the firepower—and the political will—to help Ukraine hold off the Russians.

Without Washington at its side, Ukraine would have to lean more heavily on its European allies and its own domestic defense production. It could likely maintain its current fighting strength for at least a few months, officials and analysts say. After that, it could face shortages of ammunition and lose access to some of its most sophisticated weapons.

A parade of European leaders have expressed solidarity with Ukraine after the meeting in the Oval Office descended into an unusual on-camera clash between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The European officials offered Zelensky and Ukraine their backing and said they would ensure Ukraine doesn’t stand alone. “We stand with Ukraine for as long as it may take," U.K.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Zelensky as he met him in Downing Street ahead of a meeting with European leaders taking place in London on Sunday. Starmer said he wanted to achieve a “lasting peace" in Ukraine and has also been in contact with Trump as he attempts to broker a compromise between the U.S and Europe. The U.K.

said Saturday it was making a loan of £2.26 billion, or roughly $2.8 billion, to Ukraine to fund its military. The coming weeks will show whether Europe can back up its rhetoric by stepping up support for Ukraine if Washington walks away. Ukrainian soldiers train in the eastern region of Donetsk.U.S.-provided Bradley infantry fighting