For Europeans who spent months persuading Trump of Putin’s full responsibility for the war, the apparent shift in his stance validated their efforts.
Europe’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, expressed approval of Trump’s statement outside the U.N. Security Council, noting the newfound alignment. “He’s made a very strong statement that we hadn’t heard before so it really shows we are in the same understanding,” she said.
The post may also please European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, criticized recently for being too lenient towards Trump, especially after a controversial U.S.-EU trade deal.
Her strategy now seems to have potential benefits concerning Ukraine. Meeting Trump before his post, von der Leyen maintained her stance, agreeing with his views on Europe moving away from Russian energy. “We’re on it,” she affirmed.
Von der Leyen’s relations with Trump have evolved significantly since his inauguration, according to an anonymous EU official discussing EU-Washington ties. She now frequently communicates with the U.S. president, warning him of issues like Russia’s actions in Ukraine and child abductions.
Trump had a detailed discussion with von der Leyen about new EU sanctions against Russia, showing specific interest in targeting Chinese assets.
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