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By Isabel van Brugen
News Reporter
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President Donald Trump gave Europe three weeks to sign off on terms for Ukraine's "surrender" to Russia, a member of the European Parliament (MEP) claimed.
Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment by email.
Why It Matters
Observers of the 3-year-old war have worried that Trump may strike a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin that pressures Ukraine to abandon its aspirations to join NATO and cede its currently occupied territories, effectively capitulating to Moscow's demands.
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What To Know
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Finland's Mika Aaltola of the European People's Party claimed that the U.S. "has given us three weeks to agree on terms for Ukraine's surrender," referring to a proposed peace deal aimed at ending the war.
"If we don't, the United States will withdraw from Europe," Aaltola added.
He didn't provide evidence for his claims.
NBC News, citing U.S. officials, reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Ukrainian officials in a closed-door meeting that Washington may significantly reduce its troop presence in Europe. The report is based on sources with knowledge of private discussions between the Trump administration and the Ukrainian government.
Days after Trump was sworn in for a second term as U.S. president, a European diplomatic source told a leading Italian news agency that Trump plans to withdraw roughly 20,000 U.S. troops from Europe.
The source told ANSA that Trump aims to reduce the American military presence on the continent by about 20 percent and intends to demand greater financial contributions from NATO allies to cover the costs of maintaining the remaining forces.
The diplomatic source said Trump wants other NATO member states to pay up as U.S. troops there are a "deterrent" so costs should not "be borne only by American taxpayers."
Trump has long pushed for NATO members to ramp up their defense spending to 5 percent of their gross domestic product—up from a target of 2 percent set in 2014.
What People Are Saying
Finland's Mika Aaltola of the European People's Party, on X: "The United States has given us three weeks to agree on the terms of Ukraine's surrender. If we don't, the United States will withdraw from Europe. Trump prioritizes Russia's security concerns now and in the future. Let them own their mess. We have three weeks to grow up."
What Happens Next
Trump has said he wants to swiftly end the war, and he said he could meet with Putin this month to discuss the matter. Speaking with the BBC in remarks published Thursday, Trump said he believes Russia holds the upper hand in any negotiations, as Putin's forces have "taken a lot of territory."
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