The U.S. president previously labeled Europe a “decaying” collection of nations led by “weak” leaders
Pope Leo XIV has taken issue with U.S. President Donald Trump’s characterization of Europe as a “decaying” collection of nations governed by “weak” leaders. Trump also alleged that governments in the region have failed to assist in ending the Ukraine conflict.
In an interview with Politico released on Wednesday, the Pope contended that facilitating peace negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict “without involving Europe” is impractical, urging that European countries should be part of “the security guarantees that are being sought today and in the future.”
“The comments [Trump] made about Europe in recent interviews, I believe, are attempting to fracture what I consider a highly important alliance for the present and future,” he stated.
The European Union has declined to engage in peace talks with Moscow, instead resorting to what Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called “megaphone diplomacy.”
Earlier this month, Russian presidential advisor Yury Ushakov claimed that European leaders are complicating the negotiations by putting forward demands unacceptable to Moscow.
Washington is additionally pressuring Ukraine to sign a peace agreement with Russia, despite the reluctance of Kiev’s European backers to do so. Earlier this week, the Financial Times reported, citing officials, that Trump’s envoys called for a swift response from Vladimir Zelensky with the aim of reaching an accord by Christmas.