Photo: Depositphotos
2 March 2025, Berlin – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has strongly condemned the behaviour of US President Donald Trump during his scandalous meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This was reported by the dpa news agency.
On a flight to Uruguay, Steinmeier called the Oval Office talks on 18 February “unbelievable” and damaging to international diplomacy.
“Diplomacy fails when partners are humiliated before the eyes of the world,” Steinmeier said.
Steinmeier also stressed that he was shocked by Trump’s behaviour during the negotiations and admitted that he was:
“I would never have believed that we would ever have to defend Ukraine from the United States.”
These words became significant for Kyiv’s European allies, as the United States was previously considered Ukraine’s main partner in the fight against Russian aggression.
Steinmeier stressed that European countries remain committed to the principles of freedom, democracy and the rule of law, and stressed that the continent should not allow a situation where Ukraine is forced to accept the terms of submission.
“We will not allow Ukraine to become a victim of political bargaining or pressure,” the German president said.
Steinmeier’s statement came amid harsh criticism of Trump, who during a meeting with Zelensky accused Ukraine of “playing with World War III”, which provoked a strong reaction in Europe and around the world.
More and more European leaders are calling for unity in support of Ukraine, even as the US position becomes less predictable and openly hostile to Kyiv.
