In brief
US President Donald Trump has labeled European leaders as 'weak' for their inaction on Ukraine and immigration matters. During an interview with Politico, he expressed concern over Europe's ability to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to negotiate with Moscow. His statements come in the context of the US releasing a National Security Strategy highlighting concerns about Europe's future alliances. The UK, however, refuted Trump's claims, citing its commitment to sanctions and the peace process.
US President Donald Trump has criticised European leaders as 'weak' and suggested the US could scale back its support for Ukraine.
In a wide-ranging interview with Politico, he stated that 'decaying' European nations had failed to control migration or take decisive action to end the war in Ukraine, accusing them of letting Kyiv fight 'until they drop.'
Trump asserted that Russia holds the 'upper hand' and urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to 'play ball' and consider ceding territory to Moscow.
In response, Downing Street dismissed Trump's assessment, highlighting the UK's proactive stance on sanctions and commitment to the US-led peace initiative.
Trump pointed out that ideological splits could threaten Washington's alliances, remarking that the leaders he deemed weak still had potential to be allies 'depending' on the circumstances.
His recent critiques of Europe are part of a broader effort to compel Zelensky and Ukraine's allies to seek resolution in the ongoing conflict.
The remarks coincided with the release of a new 33-page National Security Strategy from his administration, which warned of a possible 'civilisational erasure' in Europe and questioned some nations' reliability as allies.
Russia has welcomed this strategy, stating it aligns with Moscow's views, and it echoed similar themes from Trump's previous UN address, which was critical of western Europe's approach to migration and environmental issues.
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