German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Europe needs to “grow up” and increase support for Ukraine following U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments in favor of Kyiv, Deutschlandfunk reports.
Source: Bukvy
Wadephul emphasized that Trump has realized his efforts failed to force Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war. According to the German minister, Trump’s rhetoric on Ukraine has shifted significantly: he previously pressured Kyiv to make concessions, but now shows a willingness to reduce the U.S. role, shifting part of the burden to Europe.
“It is truly time for us to grow up… We must become more sovereign. Not all European states have fulfilled their promises to Ukraine. We need to assess what additional financial and military capacities we have,” Wadephul said.
The diplomat added that Trump’s comments are useful for Ukraine and Europe, as they show that success in negotiations with Putin has not yet been achieved and push the EU to act more actively in ensuring security and supporting Kyiv.
According to him, the U.S. has traditionally been the main supplier of weapons and financial support to Ukraine, but Trump is trying to transfer part of the defense burden to Europe. In response, NATO members have already increased defense spending and are supplying Ukraine with air defense systems from U.S. stockpiles using alliance funds.
The EU is also considering repurposing frozen assets to strengthen financial aid to Ukraine, aiming to increase sanctions pressure on Russia despite potential risks to investor confidence in Western bonds.
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