New US security strategy includes "preventing NATO expansion" and criticism of Europe

The White House has published a national security strategy that includes a point on preventing "the reality of NATO as a perpetually expanding alliance" and criticises Europe, while Russia's military aggression against Ukraine is described as the "Ukraine war".

The document lists among the goals of US foreign policy an intention of "ending the perception, and preventing the reality, of NATO as a perpetually expanding alliance". Other US priorities include negotiating "an expeditious cessation of hostilities in Ukraine" and reducing the risk of Russia's confrontation with other European countries.

It also states that Europeans view Russia as an "existential threat" and that settling relations between Europe and Russia will require US diplomatic engagement. The document says the United States itself seeks to restore "strategic stability" in relations with Russia.

The strategy uses the term "the Ukraine war" rather than the Russo-Ukrainian war. It also does not mention Russian aggression.

The document also contains criticism of the European Union, in particular for "censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition".

US Vice President JD Vance has said that good news on ending Russia's war against Ukraine may be expected in the coming weeks.

US President Donald Trump has said that his negotiators returned from a meeting in Moscow with the impression that Russian leader Vladimir Putin wants to end the war, though he added that he does not know what will happen next

European leaders have recently issued a stark warning to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to concede to Russia's demands without reliable US security guarantees.