Europe considers a major defense spending package as Trump signals disengagement

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a media conference on a defense package in Brussels, Tuesday. Virginia Mayo/AP hide caption toggle caption Virginia Mayo/AP BERLIN — The head of the European Union’s executive branch proposed an $840 billion plan to quickly build up defense budgets in Europe, as President Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine and signals his administration could pull back from a long-standing U.S. commitment to protect allies on the continent. World President Trump pauses Ukraine military aid European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday she will present her “ReArm Europe” proposal to the leaders of the EU’s 27 member countries. “I do not need to describe the grave nature of the threats that we face,” von der Leyen said in a statement. “We are in an era of rearmament. And Europe is ready to massively boost its defence spending.” The announcement followed news late Monday that the White House said it is “pausing and reviewing” U.S. military aid to Ukraine, as Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of being unthankful and “not ready for peace” after the heated exchange between Ukraine’s leader, Trump and Vice President Vance in the Oval Office Friday. Sponsor Message Ukraine invasion — explained Zelenskyy leaves the White House early after Trump meeting gets heated Zelenskyy said on social media on Tuesday that the White House meeting “did not go the way it was supposed to be. It is regrettable that it happened this way.” “Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians,” he said, and that his country is ready to sign a deal on minerals and security with the U.S. The United Kingdom and France say they’re also working with Ukraine on a ceasefire plan, which could include deploying British peacekeepers. Europe European leaders pledge to work together to end Russia’s war in Ukraine European leaders pledge to work together to end Russia’s war in Ukraine Listen · 3:39 3:39 Transcript Download