Dutch PM says Trump is taking the wrong tone towards Zelenskyy, Ukraine
Prime Minister Rob Jetten criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's rhetoric toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying Trump was not using the "right language." Speaking before the second day of the EU summit, Jetten argued that the U.S. president also had a stake in supporting Ukraine and expressed confidence that Trump would eventually realign himself with Kyiv.
On Thursday night, Trump said dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin was easier than negotiating with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"We have seen these kinds of hurdles in diplomacy between the U.S. and Ukraine several times over the past year and a half. You can count on us in Europe to keep everyone on track," Jetten said.
Jetten said he understood why Zelensky was pushing back. "Ukraine has been enduring a terrible war for years, and Putin has shown no willingness to negotiate a peace deal. That means Ukraine has to keep fighting to protect and defend its territory," he said.
Zelensky will briefly join the EU summit on Friday morning. "It is important that we show today, as Europe, that we support him unconditionally and also look at where we can do a little more," Jetten said.
Jetten remains dissatisfied with the responses to his appeal for EU leaders to provide more financial support to Ukraine. He said, however, that several countries were expected to announce additional military assistance in the near future.
Jetten does not expect EU leaders to commit to specific additional aid for Ukraine on Friday. "Honestly, I think today's discussions with the Ukrainian president should focus primarily on how to deal with the very complicated diplomatic situation that has now emerged." He was referring to Ukraine's relationship with the U.S.
Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen spoke of "worrying reports" ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting. He said it was "absolutely clear that, from our perspective, this is undesirable, and we want to see exactly the opposite: more support for Ukraine and more pressure on Russia."