Trump Escalates Criticism of Europe Amid Ukraine Peace Push

Articles , English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Tuesday, December 9th, 2025

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WASHINGTON/LONDON/KYIV, Dec. 10 — U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of European leaders on Tuesday, describing several European countries as “decaying” and their leaders as “weak,” while suggesting the United States could reconsider the extent of its support for Ukraine.
In an interview with Politico, Trump accused European governments of failing to control migration, lagging on security commitments, and not taking decisive action to help end the Russia–Ukraine war. He argued that Russia currently holds “the upper hand” and urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to consider territorial concessions — a proposal Kyiv has repeatedly rejected.
Downing Street dismissed Trump’s claims, noting the UK’s role in sanctions and military support for Ukraine, and reaffirming its backing for ongoing U.S.-led peace efforts.
Zelensky, writing on X, said Ukraine and European partners were “actively working” on all aspects of a revised peace framework, adding that Kyiv is ready to present the updated plan to “our partners in the U.S.” European leaders met in London a day earlier to coordinate their strategy, concerned that a rushed settlement could weaken long-term regional security.
Trump also warned that ideological divisions were straining Washington’s alliances, questioning whether some leaders remained dependable partners. He further claimed, without evidence, that Zelensky himself was an obstacle to peace.
His remarks coincided with the release of his administration’s 33-page National Security Strategy, which warned of Europe’s potential “civilisational erasure” and questioned the reliability of some allies. Russia welcomed the strategy as “largely consistent” with its views.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz rejected parts of the document, saying Europe did not need the U.S. to “save democracy” and could address its own internal challenges.