US President Donald Trump has criticized European leaders as 'weak' and suggested the US could scale back support for Ukraine.
In a wide-ranging interview with Politico, he said 'decaying' European countries had failed to control migration or take decisive action to end Ukraine's war with Russia, accusing them of letting Kyiv fight 'until they drop'.
European leaders have made attempts to carve out a role in the US-led efforts to end the war, which they fear will undercut the long-term interests of the continent in favor of a quick resolution.
In response, the UK's Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said all she saw in Europe was 'strength', citing investment in defense as well as funding for Kyiv.
She added two presidents were 'working for peace' - referring to Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky - and 'one president - President Putin - has so far simply sought to escalate the conflict with further drone and missile attacks'.
Trump continued to increase pressure on Zelensky to agree to a peace deal, urging him to 'play ball' by ceding territory to Moscow. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Zelensky, writing on X later on Tuesday, stated Ukraine and Europe were working actively on 'all components of potential steps toward ending the war', with plans reportedly ready to be submitted to the US.
Trump's latest public criticism of Europe follows a day after European leaders gathered in London to discuss their ongoing efforts to halt the fighting in Ukraine.
When asked about Europe's ability to help end the war, Trump noted, 'They talk but they don't produce. And the war just keeps going on and on.'
US officials have engaged in separate talks with Ukrainian and Russian officials in recent weeks seeking a resolution, but so far, no agreement has been reached.
The Ukrainian president has pressed European and NATO leaders to deter the US from supporting a deal that could leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attacks.
Trump suggested Zelensky himself is the main obstacle to peace and called for Ukrainian elections amidst the ongoing conflict, claiming the war was being used as an excuse to postpone democratic processes.
During the interview, he expressed concerns over the ideological split that threatens US alliances with Europe, stating it depends on whether they can continue to be allies if they are perceived as weak.
In response to Trump's claims, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz remarked that while some aspects of the US strategy are plausible, others were unacceptable from a European perspective.
