Politico: EU countries fear Trump sympathizes more with Putin than with Zelensky

According to Politico, European officials believe that Donald Trump's personal sympathy for Vladimir Putin complicates obtaining US support in resolving the Ukrainian conflict. One EU representative noted that Trump has criticized the EU, NATO and Ukraine, but almost never Putin. On October 20, Trump said that a meeting between Putin and Zelensky is not necessary for a settlement.

Sevara AzamovaFirst published on tafs uz 21 October 2026 at 12:522 min read

The key facts

Politico reports on EU countries' skepticism over Trump's sympathies for Putin
On October 20, Trump said that a meeting between Putin and Zelensky is not necessary for a settlement
Trump called on Zelensky to make a deal to resolve the conflict

EU fears Trump's personal sympathies for Putin

European Union countries fear that US President Donald Trump sympathizes more with Russian leader Vladimir Putin than with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This is reported by Politico. According to the outlet, some European officials link this situation to the American president's personal sympathies.

Quote from an EU representative

“Trump doesn't like Zelensky. Because of this, securing US help in achieving peace becomes more difficult. For Trump, everything is a rational business deal, but only up to a certain point,” said one EU representative. Politico's interlocutor added that Trump may change his mind on Ukraine, but the American president has changed his position on many issues, except for his attitude toward Putin: Trump has criticized the EU, NATO and Ukraine, but almost never Putin.

Trump's statements on October 20

On October 20, Trump told journalists at the White House that a meeting between Putin and Zelensky is not mandatory for achieving a settlement of the conflict around Ukraine. He also expressed the opinion that the Ukrainian government's refusal to settle would lead to very bad consequences, and suggested that the Ukrainian people are unlikely to tolerate the ongoing hostilities. Trump emphasized that Zelensky should make a deal to resolve the conflict.