Germany Urged Europe To "grow Up" After Trump's Statement

• 24.09.2025, 13:52

And increase military and financial aid to Ukraine.

It is time for Europe to "grow up" and take more responsibility for Ukraine. Military and financial aid to Kiev should be increased.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful said this, Reuters reported.

His words came after comments by US President Donald Trump, who backed Kiev in its intention to return all its territories.

In an interview with Deutschlandfunk, Wadeful said Trump had realized the failure of his own attempts to persuade Vladimir Putin to end the war. He said the US president's statements show the importance of strengthening Europe's role.

Trump has previously urged Ukraine to cede territory for peace and demonstrated openness in his dealings with Vladimir Putin. His abrupt change in rhetoric has raised questions about whether actual US policy will change.

Experts say the uncertainty in Washington could mean an increased burden on Europe to take on more military and financial aid to Kiev.

Europe is preparing for more responsibility

"We really have to grow up. We can do much more, and not all EU countries have kept their promises to Ukraine," Wadeful said. He noted that Europe will have to seek additional military and financial resources.

He said Trump's words are useful for Ukraine and Europe because they show the failure of his own efforts to dialog with Putin. At the same time, he warned that beefing up security in Europe would not be an easy process.

Diplomat Reaction

Two officials who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity warned that Trump may be signaling that Europe must now help Ukraine.

"It looks like he's saying goodbye, doesn't it? But things could change tomorrow. In any case: the cards are clear to us. We know what to do," the Western European official said.

A senior diplomat from Eastern Europe said Trump's comments on Ukraine were intended to signal a change of position and show "that he is starting to pull back, sending a signal that this is a European issue."

Trump's statement

In his post, Trump said Ukraine could fully restore its territorial integrity and then "go even further."

He specified that this is possible "with time, patience and financial support from Europe and, in particular, NATO."