Speaking at the White House alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, President Donald Trump praised European countries for what he described as a surprising show of resolve and commitment in supporting Ukraine’s defence against Russia.
His remarks followed the announcement of a new NATO framework under which European nations will finance large-scale transfers of US weapons to Kyiv.
“Europe has a lot of spirit for this war,” Trump told reporters. “When I first got involved, I really didn’t think they did, but they do.” He added that the level of “esprit de corps” he had seen among European leaders in recent weeks was striking. “They really think it’s a very, very important thing to do, or they wouldn’t be doing it.”
The President’s tone marked a shift from earlier scepticism about Europe’s defence commitments. Under the new arrangement, countries including Germany, the UK, and the Nordic states will pay for US equipment destined for Ukraine, with the Pentagon retaining the right to backfill stockpiles as needed. Rutte said this model would allow weapons such as Patriot air defence systems and artillery ammunition to reach Ukraine within days, with European capitals already pledging significant funding.
Trump praises Europe’s “spirit” in backing Ukraine, saying allies are stepping up with major weapons funding. “They really think it’s important… they’re paying for everything.” A shift in tone and a new model of support. #NATO #Ukraine #Trump pic.twitter.com/TstjKVHONC
— UK Defence Journal (@UKDefJournal) July 14, 2025
Trump portrayed the decision as a correction to what he called a legacy of failure by the Biden administration. “This is a Biden war. This is not a Republican war, not a Trump war,” he said. “It should never have happened.” He expressed hope that this latest move might force Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table. “I think this is a chance at getting peace, or it’s just going to be the same thing,” Trump said.
He also stressed that American priorities must remain intact, particularly in ensuring the US retains sufficient military capabilities for its own national defence. “We want to defend our country, but, you know, ultimately, having a strong Europe is a very good thing,” he said. “So I’m okay with that.”
Rutte underlined this point, clarifying that while European allies would fund the bulk of the military aid, the arrangement would not impair US readiness. “What the President is saying is that he is willing, of course taking into consideration what the US needs itself,” he said. “So it’s not that you can have a shopping list and you can order whatever you want, because the US has to make sure that the US keeps its hands on what it needs also to keep the whole world safe.”
He continued: “You are the police agent of the whole world. You are the most powerful nation on earth, most powerful military on Earth. But given that the US has decided to indeed massively supply Ukraine with what is necessary through NATO, Europeans [are] 100% paying for that.” Rutte added that this commitment was already matched by significant pledges: “Germany is visiting today. They’re really talking about big numbers.”
Both leaders suggested that Russia was under mounting pressure. Rutte cited intelligence indicating that 100,000 Russian soldiers had died since January. Trump warned that Putin’s economy was deteriorating rapidly and said economic recovery might prove a stronger incentive for negotiation than any military calculus. “He wants to get that economy back. He could save his country in a sense,” Trump said.
Despite past personal conversations with Putin, Trump said he no longer put stock in diplomatic pleasantries. “My conversations with him are always very pleasant,” he said. “And then missiles go off that night.”
Rutte concluded that while NATO’s new model may not be a final answer, it is already reshaping the terms of the conflict: “This is very big. This is something that will give Ukraine what it needs, and Europe is paying for it.”
“When I first got involved.”
Fuck off TACO, Draft Dodger. The war had been going on for years when “you got involved” by cutting off all aid to Ukraine multiple times. Coward and traitor. But of course the US MIC has to MIC and leach European money, the freeloaders that they are.
This volte-face by Trump is the result of a lot of patient, persistent and skilful diplomacy by the UK and France, supported by Rutte. Good work. Now we need to see the weapons; guided shells, JASSM, Patriot.
Mmm. We’ve gone from ‘the end of NATO’ to a reaffirmation of support for Europe and now for Ukraine in less than sixth months. It does seem as though Starmer played their cards well, if not perfectly.
US and ENATO weapons will be beneficial, but real progress awaits US secondary sanctions on states surreptitiously purchasing Russian oil. Reasonably certain Indians will be cooperative, ChiCom response unpredictable. Ceasefire in UKR will eventually be established along current lines, peace negotiations will be interminable. CRINKs will be probing NATO w/ gray zone warfare from the Arctic to ME (and eventually the Antarctic). Welcome all to CW 2.0.
It’s encouraging to see President Trump acknowledging Europe’s renewed resolve in supporting Ukraine and the significant steps being taken to bolster Ukraine’s defense. His recognition of Europe’s spirit and the move towards European funding for weapons transfers mark a positive shift in collective effort.
However, more than just selling weapons and ensuring NATO contributions, what Trump truly needs to emphasize now is the immediate and unequivocal demand for Vladimir Putin to “leave Ukraine immediately.” Clear, decisive leadership in telling Putin to withdraw is essential to ending the conflict swiftly and restoring peace. This straightforward demand could serve as a powerful message that the U.S. and its allies are united in their resolve to see Ukraine’s sovereignty restored without delay.
In addition to supporting Ukraine militarily, a firm and direct call for Putin to cease his aggression is crucial in changing the dynamics of the conflict and persuading Russia to reconsider its position. Strong leadership and unwavering stance on this front are vital for achieving a swift resolution and demonstrating that the international community stands firmly on Ukraine’s side.