Former US President Donald Trump offered rare praise for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday, calling him 'courageous' and asserting that Ukraine is 'doing pretty well' in its war against Russia. Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump said: 'You have to say he's courageous, he's got great equipment, he's got great men, he's got fighters.'
The remarks mark a notable shift in tone from Trump, who has previously been critical of US aid to Ukraine and has claimed he could end the war in 24 hours if re-elected. His comments come as European capitals grapple with the long-term implications of the conflict, now in its third year, and as NATO chief Mark Rutte meets Trump to ease tensions before the July summit.
European Reactions and Implications
Trump's assessment of Ukraine's performance aligns with the views of many European leaders, who have consistently praised Kyiv's resilience. However, his past ambivalence toward NATO and his threats to reduce US support have caused unease in Brussels, Berlin, and Paris. The EU has stepped up its own military assistance, but questions remain about whether European nations can fill a potential gap if US aid wanes.
In recent weeks, Ukraine has intensified its campaign to disrupt Russian logistics, including destroying a key railway bridge in Crimea. Such operations are part of a broader strategy to isolate the occupied peninsula, as detailed in Ukraine's campaign to isolate Crimea. These efforts have drawn praise from European defense officials, who see them as evidence of Ukraine's growing capability to strike behind enemy lines.
Meanwhile, the human cost of the war continues to mount. A recent strike killed Norwegian demining charity workers in Ukraine, underscoring the dangers faced by international aid organizations. The EU Defence Chief has warned of more Russian attacks on European soil, following a suspected incident in Poland.
Trump's comments also come amid a broader geopolitical recalibration. His administration's approach to Iran, for instance, has seen progress on Hormuz and a Lebanon ceasefire, even as he threatens to end talks. In Europe, leaders like Italy's Giorgia Meloni have maintained steady popularity despite tensions with Trump, as polls show.
For now, Trump's praise of Zelenskyy may offer a temporary diplomatic opening, but European policymakers remain cautious. The former president's influence on Republican foreign policy could shape the next US administration's stance on Ukraine, making his words a matter of keen interest from the Élysée to the Bundestag.
