Germany urges Europe to boost Ukraine aid following Trump statement
Photo: Johann Wadephul (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
It is time for Europe to grow up and take on more responsibility for Ukraine. Military and financial aid to Kyiv must be increased, says German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
His words came after comments by US President Donald Trump, who supported Ukraine in its intention to regain all its territories.
In an interview with Deutschlandfunk, Wadepful noted that Trump had realized the failure of his own attempts to convince Vladimir Putin to end the war. According to him, the US President's statement testifies to the importance of strengthening Europe's role.
Doubts about US policy
Trump had previously called on Ukraine to cede territory for the sake of peace and demonstrated openness in his relations with Vladimir Putin. His sharp change in rhetoric raised questions about whether US policy would actually change.
Experts believe that uncertainty in Washington could mean an increased burden on Europe, which will have to take on more military and financial assistance to Kyiv.
Europe prepares for greater responsibility
"And that's why we have to look at what we ourselves can achieve. We can achieve much more; not all European states have delivered what they promised Ukraine. We have to look at what other financial and military options we have," Wadephul says. He notes that Europe will have to seek additional military and financial resources.
According to him, Trump's words are useful for Ukraine and Europe, as they show the failure of his own efforts in the dialogue with Putin. At the same time, he warned that strengthening security in Europe will not be an easy process.
Diplomats' reaction
Two officials who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity warned that Trump may be sending a signal: now, Europe must help Ukraine.
"He seems to be saying his goodbyes, no? But that can change tomorrow. In any case: the cards are clear for us. We know what we should be doing," says a Western European official.
A senior diplomat from Eastern Europe said that Trump's comments on Ukraine were intended to signal a change in position and show "that he is starting to disengage by sending a message that it is Europe's question."
Trump's statement
In his post, Trump noted that Ukraine could fully restore its territorial integrity and then go even further.
He clarified that this is possible with time, patience, and financial support from Europe and, in particular, NATO.
European assistance
The US remains the largest military donor, but with Trump's arrival in the White House, assistance has declined sharply.
European countries have increased military spending and begun supplying Kyiv with air defense systems. The EU is discussing the use of frozen Russian assets for additional financial assistance to Ukraine and tougher sanctions against Moscow.
Against the backdrop of Trump's statements, shares in European defense companies rose. The index of aerospace and defense companies rose 0.8% and approached historic highs.
According to the Kiel Institute, Western countries provide Ukraine with small but stable assistance amounting to €80 billion per year. Europe as a whole has clearly surpassed the US in terms of aid to Ukraine.
