Trump: claims that during a discussion with European leaders, he used “pretty strong words” about Ukraine
Trump: During a call with the leaders of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, US President Donald Trump said he brought up the situation in Ukraine “in pretty strong words.” He said that Washington is expecting more feedback from its European allies before deciding on its next course of action.
The three leaders were “very good leaders, very good friends of mine,” according to Trump, who claimed that their conversation mostly focused on Ukraine. “And we had some heated conversations on Ukraine. And we’ll see the outcome. He indicated that the US reaction will depend on how Europe participates in the diplomatic process when he added, “I mean, we’re waiting to hear answers before we progress.”
He also said that the United States was invited to a summit in Europe this weekend by the European leaders. “They want us to go to Europe for a conference over the weekend. According on what they return with, we’ll make a decision,” Trump said. In response to a query about President Volodymyr Zelensky’s involvement, he said that the meeting will take place “with Zelensky and us.”
Trump’s phone chat followed his public doubts about Ukraine’s chances of winning its almost four-year battle with Russia, which he expressed in an exclusive interview with POLITICO that was released on Monday. His remarks have given Washington’s changing strategy for the war more dimensions.
Trump’s stance on Ukraine has changed significantly since he took office again. He expressed doubt about Ukraine’s chances when he informed Zelenskyy that he did not “have the cards” during their February meeting at the White House. However, by September, he seemed to change once again, endorsing Kyiv’s objective of regaining all of its land “in its original form”.
Trump has recently promoted a peace plan in which Ukraine would cede the whole Donbas territory to Russia in return for vague security guarantees from the US. As the conflict rages on, this idea and pressure on Kyiv to agree to talks have unnerved Ukraine and its supporters.
“We discussed Ukraine in pretty strong words, and we’ll see what happens,” Trump said Wednesday, restating his position and pointing out the tone of his conversation with European leaders. We are, after all, awaiting responses before moving further.
Additionally, he reminded Zelenskyy to “be realistic” and reiterated his belief that Ukraine should have elections. “And I do say, you know, at what point, when do they have an election in Ukraine?” he remarked in response to inquiries over his previous remarks. They do have a serious corruption problem there, and they say, “You know, people are asking this question, when do they have an election?” That is not meant to speak poorly of anybody. Will there be an election? Or will they just continue in this manner?
Trump expanded his criticism of European nations in the same interview, calling them “decaying” and criticizing their trade and immigration policies while claiming that Europe had not done enough to assist peace efforts in Ukraine.
He said, “I think they’re weak, but I also think that they want to be so politically correct,” and that they’re unsure on what to do on the matter. Europe is at a loss about what to do.