Donald Trump has once again ignited a political firestorm, this time taking direct aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European allies in a blistering Truth Social post. The former U.S. president lashed out at calls for America to provide security guarantees in any Ukraine peace deal, slamming European leaders for what he called a display of weakness in the face of Russian aggression.
Trump, who has positioned himself as a key broker in negotiations with Vladimir Putin, was furious over Zelenskyy’s recent remarks that peace with Russia remains “very, very far away.” Calling the statement “the worst that could have been made,” Trump warned that America’s patience was wearing thin. “This guy doesn’t want peace as long as he has America’s backing,” he fumed. He also ridiculed European leaders, claiming they openly admitted they “cannot do the job without the U.S.,” branding it a strategic blunder against Moscow.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer doubled down on his call for “strong U.S. backing” in European-led peace efforts. Hosting a high-profile meeting in London with Canadian and European leaders—including Zelenskyy—Starmer reinforced the need for Britain to “lead from the front.” He pledged British troops and jets to a potential peacekeeping force, forming what he called a “coalition of the willing.”
Trump’s criticism comes in the wake of a dramatic Oval Office clash with Zelenskyy that saw tensions spill into public view. Their disagreements derailed a proposed U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal, which Trump had touted as a potential security backstop. Though Zelenskyy has since signaled his willingness to sign, Starmer dismissed the agreement as insufficient, insisting that a more concrete security guarantee is needed.
The UK leader’s firm stance put him at odds with Trump’s approach. While acknowledging Trump’s commitment to peace as “sincere,” Starmer argued that Europe must take charge while still securing Washington’s unwavering support. In a fiery House of Commons exchange, he emphasized that Europe cannot be held back by the “speed of the most reluctant” and must act decisively to counter Russian aggression.
As tensions mount and global leaders scramble to align their strategies, Trump’s latest tirade is sure to add more fuel to an already raging geopolitical storm.
