The administration of President Donald Trump has terminated the work of an interagency working group created to develop strategies to exert pressure on Russia. The group was formed in the early spring to accelerate the progress of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. According to three US officials, the initiative was frozen in May when it became clear that President Trump himself is not interested in a more confrontational course towards the Kremlin.
The termination of the group's activities, which had not been previously reported, is likely to heighten the concerns of European allies regarding Trump's often conciliatory tone towards Russia and his reluctance to demonstrate full support for Ukraine. These events are taking place on the eve of the key NATO summit at the end of the month.