Wind Turns Him Into Ukraine, Germany Asks Europe To Fully Support Kyiv After Trump's Strong Statement

JAKARTA - German Foreign Minister Johaan Wadephul stressed Europe must "adult" and increase its support for Ukraine following US President Donald Trump's statement in support of Kyiv to take back its entire territory from Russia.

Speaking to German Deutschlandfunk radio, Wadephul said Trump had realized his efforts had failed to persuade Vladimir Putin of Russia to end the war in Ukraine.

Trump's remarks on Truth Social marked a sudden and major rhetoric change for US leaders who previously pushed Ukraine to give up territory to end the war and roll out the red carpet for Putin in Alaska last month.

However, it is not clear whether Trump will support his statement with a US policy change.

"Europe has repeatedly said that we really have to grow up. We have to be more sovereign," said Wadephul.

"And that's why we have to see what we can achieve on our own. We can achieve even more; not all European countries have fulfilled what they promised Ukraine. We have to look at other financial and military options we have," he continued.

Trump's statement is good for Ukraine and good for Europe, said Wadephul, because Trump has to admit his efforts with Putin have so far not worked.

However, the German Foreign Minister warned Europe that increasing security efforts would not be easy.

Two officials, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, also warned Trump might hint at Europe as to help Ukraine now.

"He seems to say goodbye, isn't he? But that could change tomorrow. However: the card is clear to us. We know what we have to do," said a Western European official.

A senior Eastern European diplomat said Trump's comments on Ukraine were aimed at showing a change in position and to show Trump began to let go by sending this message was a European issue.

Trump, in his social media posts, said, "With the time, patience, and financial support from Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original border where this War began, is a very possible choice."

The US has long been Ukraine's singles supporter and biggest arms supplier, but since taking office, Trump insisted that Europe bear the burden of its own defense which is much larger. To some extent, that has happened.

Member states of the NATO defense alliance in Europe are increasing their defense budget and also supplying air defenses to Ukraine through a new system to provide Ukraine with weapons from US stocks using funds from NATO countries.

The European Union is also discussing plans to reuse frozen assets to increase financial aid to Ukraine, as they seek to increase sanctions pressure on Russia, despite the risk of undermining foreign confidence in investing in Western bonds.