Donald Trump shocked declarations. The EU is torn. “One phone call to Putin is enough”
This question quickly dominated Tuesday's talks on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York after Trump surprised his officials The most pro -Ukrainian statement so far – A bold statement that Kiev can not only win the war with Russia, but also to recover every centimeter of lost territory.
The entry on Truth Social, published immediately after the meeting of the US President with his Ukrainian counterpart of Wołodylym, was unusual for two reasons.
First, it was contrary to previous claimsthat Ukraine can never count on victory over a greater enemy. Secondly, he was in contrast with an earlier administration position on how the war in Ukraine should end, i.e. an agreement in which Kiev is assigned to Russia.
EU officials trying to understand this clear change were Torn between joy and skepticismindicating that Trump often changes his position – and he can do it again after a convincing conversation with another leader. This makes politicians and diplomats even harder to formulate a response to the ongoing war and the last provocations of Moscow in European airspace.
However, the immediate reaction of the delegation was moderate joy of the new, sharp tone of the US president.
Trump's bold declarations
“It's the sharpest so far,” joked one of the EU officials in New York, referring to the pro -Ukrainian nature of Trump's entry. – But always One phone call from Putin is enough to do something not the best.
Trump gave some insight into how his attitude changed during a meeting with the French President Emmanuel Macron. The American expressed disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I thought it would be the easiest [wojna do powstrzymania] Due to my relationship with Putin, but unfortunately these relations meant nothing, “said the US president.
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Trump repeated the same opinion on Tuesday during an official speech before the UN General Assembly, saying that Putin's failure in the war in Ukraine “does not present Russia in a good light.” Later on the same day, he maintained his opinion, answering “yes” to the question of whether NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft violating their airspace, which is becoming more frequent.
“I am satisfied with the statement of the President of the United States a few hours ago, emphasizing the progressing weakness of the Russian economy,” said Macron. “I am glad that the President of the United States believes in the ability of Ukraine not only to persist, but also to force respect for his rights.”
For Europeans who have been trying to convince Trump for months that Putin was full of responsibility for the war, this clear change of position was also a kind of confirmation of their efforts.
Relief in Brussels
In an interview with journalists in front of the UN Security Council building, the European diplomat Kaja Kallas seemed to be satisfied with Trump's entry as a sign of changing his position. “He spoke very much what We haven't heard beforeSo it really shows that we have the same understanding of the situation, “she said.
This entry may also please the chairwoman of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, which in recent months has been criticized for too much Concessions to Trumpnamely for consent to a trade agreement between the USA and the EU, which was widely criticized as “humiliation” for Brussels.
Currently, it seems that her approach may pay off, at least in relation to Ukraine. During the meeting with the US President, a few hours before publishing the entry on Truth Social, von der Leyen remained faithful to its formula, stating that “Trump is absolutely right” as to the need to become independent of Europe from Russian energy. “We're working on it,” she promised.
The relations of von der Leyen with Trump have also changed radical since his swearing in – said the EU official, who provided anonymously on the relationship between Brussels and Washington. The chairwoman of the European Commission is currently in frequent telephone contact with the President of the USA, using conversations to inform him, among others About Russia's attack on the EU mission in Ukraine, as well as about the issues of kidnapped Ukrainian children.
The President of Ukraine Wołodymyr Zelanski and US President Donald Trump in New York, September 23, 2025.Ukrainian Presidscy / Handout / AFP
Attempt to provoke Putin
On Tuesday, Trump conducted a “very in -depth” conversation with von der Leyen about the latest round of EU sanctions against Russia. The US President has shown special interest in means of Chinese assets. – We simply see the effect that Europe has repeatedly said that he would do x, and he does x, while Russia says that he will do a and he does with – said one of the EU officials.
However, despite the initial surprise and joy of several EU officials and diplomats expressed a deeper skepticismthat Trump's entry can only be an attempt to provoke Putin, which will not cause any actual changes in the US policy.
Indeed, after months of attempts to convince Trump to impose duties or sanctions on the Russian economy, the hope of support from the US in Europe is weakening. Faith in Trump's words – no matter how encouraging they can be – is getting smaller.
– Fortunately, but also for us, What Trump says on Monday is not what he says on Tuesday – said ally of French President Emmanuel Macron.
