Trump criticizes 'decaying' European countries and 'weak' leaders

WASHINGTON, Dec 10: US President Donald Trump accused European leaders of being too soft and hinted the US might reduce its backing for Ukraine. He told Politico that European countries, which he described as ageing and poorly run, had failed to manage migration or take action that could push the war toward an end. He said they were letting Kyiv fight until exhausted, a claim that stirred swift responses across Europe, reported the BBC.

European governments have been trying to shape a role in the peace efforts led by Washington, since they worry any rushed deal might ignore the long-term security needs of their region. The UK’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper pushed back, saying she saw strong commitment in Europe, pointing to defence spending and funding for Kyiv. She stressed that both Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky were trying to reach peace, while she accused President Putin of escalating attacks, according to the BBC.

Trump kept pressing Zelensky to accept a settlement and suggested Kyiv should consider giving up territory to Moscow. Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Zelensky later wrote on X that Ukraine and Europe were working on every part of a possible plan, and he expected the proposals to reach Washington by Wednesday. These developments came as European leaders met in London to show continued unity on Ukraine, noted the BBC.

Trump questioned Europe’s ability to help end the war, saying leaders only talked while the fighting continued. Washington has held its own talks with both Kyiv and Moscow, though nothing concrete has emerged. Zelensky has urged European and Nato leaders to discourage any US-backed deal that could expose Ukraine to future threats. Over the weekend, Trump accused Zelensky, without evidence, of standing in the way of peace and said Russia was comfortable with the plan presented by the US, the BBC said.

In the Politico interview, Trump argued that Ukrainian negotiators supported the proposal and insisted Zelensky had not reviewed it. He again said Ukraine should hold elections and accused Kyiv of using the war as an excuse not to. Ukraine suspended national elections under martial law after the invasion. Zelensky responded that he was ready for elections and would ask for proposals to adjust the law, adding that polls could be held within a few months if partners, including the US, could help guarantee safety, the BBC reported.

Trump also said political divisions were weakening ties between Washington and Europe. When asked if those he saw as weak could stay allies, he said it depended, adding that many leaders seemed unsure of their own direction. His comments followed the release of a new US National Security Strategy that warned about Europe’s possible decline and questioned its reliability. Russia welcomed the document, since it did not list Moscow as a threat, according to the BBC.

Trump said many European countries might not remain stable if they continue current policies, especially on migration. He praised Hungary and Poland for their tougher approach and said most others were in decline. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz responded that parts of the US strategy made sense, but other claims were unacceptable for Europe. He rejected the idea that Europe needed the US to rescue its democracy. The document echoed Trump’s earlier UN speech, where he sharply criticised Western Europe’s migration and clean energy policies, the BBC reported.