Facing the prospect that the United States might cut them adrift under President Donald Trump, European Union leaders held emergency talks Thursday to explore new ways to beef up their own security and ensure that Ukraine will still be protected.

European leaders on Thursday said they would stand by Ukraine and spend more on defense in a world upended by Donald Trump's reversal of U.S. policies. Zachary Goelman produced this report.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet with Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte. The high-stakes meeting comes as EU leaders gather for an emergency summit in Brussels.

Trump has adopted a tough stance toward Kyiv, announcing a freeze on U.S. aid for Ukraine just days after accusing Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War III.”