Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Europe, calling its leaders "weak" and the continent "decaying," even as British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held discussions with him on Ukraine peace efforts. The extraordinary contradiction exposes deepening tensions in the transatlantic alliance at what leaders called a "critical moment" for Ukraine's future.
In an interview with Politico on Tuesday, Trump questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and supported Russia's position in the conflict. «Russia has the upper hand. They always did… At some point, size will win, generally,» Trump said. He dismissed European efforts on Ukraine, saying: «They talk, but they don't produce, and the war just keeps going on and on.»
The US President also claimed Europe faces "civilisational collapse" due to illegal immigration. «The people coming in have totally different ideology,» Trump told Politico. «It's gonna make them much weaker.» He specifically criticized London Mayor Sadiq Khan, saying: «I hate what's happened to London and I hate what's happened to Paris.»
Hostile National Security Strategy
The White House published a 30-page National Security Strategy on Friday that positions the European Union as a target for "ideological warfare." The document threatens to "cultivate resistance" within Europe and support "patriotic European parties." The Kremlin warmly welcomed the strategy, which Vladimir Putin's spokesman described as «largely consistent» with Russia's vision for international relations.
The strategy marks a radical departure from the Atlantic alliance that has bound the US and Europe since World War II. It indicates that Washington's priority is an "expeditious cessation of hostilities" and reestablishing "strategic stability with Russia," not safeguarding Ukraine from future invasion.
Dutch political scientist Cas Mudde, an expert on the far right, wrote in The Guardian: «Perhaps now that it is published in an official document, European leaders will finally understand that 'daddy' is serious … The current US government believes that its national security is best served by the destruction of liberal democracy in Europe.»
European Leaders Seek Unity
Despite Trump's attacks, European leaders met at Downing Street on Monday to coordinate their response to US-led peace talks. A Downing Street spokesman said: «The leaders discussed the latest on the ongoing US-led peace talks, welcoming their efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, and to see an end to the killing. Intensive work on the peace plan is continuing and will continue in the coming days.»
German Chancellor Merz stated the new US strategy underscored the need for a more independent European security policy. However, European governments have been largely muted in their public reactions, with leaders appearing hesitant to condemn Trump's approach after months of attempting to maintain his engagement in Ukraine's defense.
A spokesperson for Starmer rejected Trump's claims that European efforts have been unproductive, citing the UK's leadership on sanctions and the involvement of a "coalition of the willing." But when asked whether Starmer agreed with Trump's view of European "decay," the spokesperson initially declined to comment before later explicitly stating that the Prime Minister does not share that assessment.
Ukraine Caught in Crossfire
Zelensky's team plans to present its latest peace proposals to US negotiators this week. The Ukrainian President expressed willingness to hold wartime elections within three months if the US and other allies guarantee vote security, responding to Trump's accusations. «This week may bring news for all of us – and for bringing the bloodshed to an end,» Zelensky said.
The US has denied pressuring Ukraine into a swift peace deal, despite reports that Trump wanted an agreement by Christmas. Unnamed US officials insist their goal is an agreement ensuring Ukraine's sovereignty and long-term defense. However, Ukrainian negotiators reportedly lack sufficient details on security guarantees from Washington and have not reached compromise on territorial issues including the Donbas.
A survey conducted last week across nine European countries found that almost half of EU citizens regard Trump as an enemy of Europe. A meeting of the "coalition of the willing," comprising countries led by Britain and France prepared to support Ukraine and deter Russia in the event of a ceasefire, is scheduled for Thursday.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
