The European Union is actively preparing a contingency strategy should the United States decide to step away from ongoing Ukraine-Russia peace efforts. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas revealed that the bloc is developing a "plan B" to address the potential diplomatic gap that could arise from a reduced American role.

“It’s a question whether the Americans will want to leave. We see signs that they are contemplating whether they should leave Ukraine and not try to get a deal with the Russians because it’s hard,” Kallas said on Wednesday, reflecting concerns about wavering U.S. commitment to diplomatic resolution.

While acknowledging the existence of a secondary approach, Kallas emphasized that plan A—continued U.S. engagement and multilateral diplomacy—remains the preferred path. Nonetheless, she underlined the importance of preparation in the event that Washington pivots away from direct involvement.

As part of the EU’s alternative strategy, efforts will center on maintaining and enforcing economic pressure on Russia, particularly in light of political friction within the union. Kallas pointed to Hungary as a potential obstacle, warning that Budapest may block the renewal of EU sanctions against Russia in July.

The comments highlight growing strategic anxiety in Brussels over the West’s long-term alignment on Ukraine, especially if domestic pressures in the U.S. shift priorities away from the region. The EU’s plan B is aimed at preserving regional stability and ensuring Russia continues to face consequences for its actions, even in the absence of coordinated U.S. involvement.

Kallas’s remarks underscore the bloc’s commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty and resilience, as well as the broader European stance on standing firm against Russian aggression regardless of external uncertainties.