Trump Slams European Leaders as 'Weak' and 'Decaying'

New York: US President Donald Trump has criticised European leaders, labeling them "weak" and describing their countries as "decaying". He expressed frustration over Europe's handling of migration and the war in Ukraine, suggesting the US might scale back its support for Ukraine. Trump had a phone call with European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, discussing Ukraine "in pretty strong words".
Trump says European leaders "talk but don't produce" and that the war in Ukraine "just keeps going on and on". This comes after European leaders met in London to discuss their efforts to stop the fighting in Ukraine.
Trump's comments come amid growing tensions between the US and Europe, with European leaders attempting to play a stronger role in US-led efforts to end the war. The US has proposed a peace plan involving Ukraine ceding territory to Russia, which Ukraine and its allies fear would leave it vulnerable to future attacks. So far, no agreement has been reached.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper responded to Trump's criticism, highlighting Europe's strength in defense investment and funding for Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also pushed back, saying some parts of the US National Security Strategy were "unacceptable" from a European perspective.
European leaders have been pushing for a stronger role in US-led efforts to end the war, while Trump has been pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept a peace plan involving Ukraine ceding territory to Russia, and urging him to "be realistic" and hold elections. Zelenskyy has replied that he's ready for elections, but only when security conditions allow.