The EU has established “red lines” in discussions regarding Ukraine but is concerned about a possible rift in relations with the US.

European officials worry that disagreements with the US over the Russia-Ukraine war could test bilateral relations, weaken transatlantic security, and potentially disrupt a NATO summit in June. The Trump administration has proposed a deal to Kyiv that includes US recognition of Russian control over Crimea and also excludes Kyiv’s membership in NATO.

European officials have stated: “Crimea and future aspirations for NATO membership are red lines for us. We cannot abandon them”.

The Crimea issue could lead to a serious diplomatic crisis for NATO, as the organization’s stance is to never recognize the peninsula as Russian.

Meanwhile, Europe is apprehensive about the prolonged nature of the war; Britain, France, and Germany are seeking a compromise for an agreement that would not require Ukraine to violate its red lines but could involve certain concessions from Kyiv regarding territorial issues at the final negotiation stage.