Zelenskyy called 'brave' by Trump, who then slams NATO allies

Assessing Ukraine's leader

According to Главком: During a meeting in the Oval Office with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's wartime performance, describing him as courageous. Trump expressed confidence that Zelenskyy is handling the conflict reasonably well, pointing out that he has 'great equipment and great people.' The American leader emphasized that Zelenskyy is 'at least holding on' amid the war, a fact he said deserves recognition.

Criticism aimed at NATO partners

Trump also used the meeting to voice frustration with NATO allies, singling out Spain as a 'bad company' and expressing disappointment with Italy, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. He stated:

“We have been let down.” - Donald Trump

Poland, however, received praise from Trump, who held it up as a positive example among the alliance members.

It is worth noting that at last week's G7 summit, Trump expressed admiration for recent Ukrainian military gains. According to Axios, he was particularly impressed by Operation Web, which destroyed or damaged dozens of Russian aircraft. Today, the U.S. State Department acknowledged that Ukraine is currently winning the war.

The meeting between Trump and Rutte focused on transatlantic defense investments and NATO operations. During the discussion, Rutte displayed charts on defense spending, underscoring the importance of the topic for both sides. Trump confirmed he would attend the NATO summit out of respect for Turkish President Erdogan, a move that highlights U.S. diplomatic efforts within the alliance.

This meeting and Trump's remarks about Zelenskyy signal continued U.S. support for Ukraine in its fight against aggression. Given Ukraine's recent battlefield successes and their recognition in Washington, this could encourage deeper defense cooperation between the two countries. At the same time, Trump's criticism of certain NATO allies reveals tensions within the alliance that may affect its collective response to European security challenges.

In light of Trump's recent remarks about Zelenskyy's performance, it's important to consider the broader context of U.S.-Ukraine relations. The president has previously urged Zelensky to adopt a firmer approach towards Moscow, highlighting the complexities of Ukraine's ongoing struggle. For a deeper understanding of this dynamic, read more about Trump's advice to Zelensky in our detailed report on taking a tougher stance against Russia.