By Oyinkansola Aremu
Former US President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of European leaders, describing them as “weak” and suggesting Washington could scale back support for Ukraine — a development that many African states are watching closely as global power shifts continue to influence the continent’s security and diplomatic landscape.
In a wide-ranging interview with Politico, Trump accused “decaying” European countries of failing to curb migration, lacking strategic resolve, and leaving Ukraine to “fight until they drop” in the war with Russia. He argued that Europe was not doing enough to take charge of peace efforts in a conflict that has reshaped global politics since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
African diplomats, though not directly referenced in the interview, say the escalating rhetoric underscores how global alliances are shifting at a time when the continent increasingly feels the ripple effects — from rising fuel prices to disrupted grain supply and mounting pressure to align with competing geopolitical blocs.
The UK’s Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, pushed back strongly on Trump’s remarks, saying Europe was showing “strength”, particularly through increased defence spending and sustained support for Kyiv. She insisted that “two presidents are working for peace — Trump and Zelensky” while “one president — President Putin — has so far simply sought to escalate the conflict with further drone and missile attacks.”
Trump has continued to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to “play ball” and consider ceding territory to Moscow — a position that African analysts warn could set a dangerous precedent for border changes by force, especially on a continent where territorial disputes remain sensitive.
Zelensky, writing on X, said Ukraine and Europe were finalising coordinated steps toward ending the war, with a joint proposal expected to be submitted to the US. He suggested Europe was more involved in peace plans than Trump acknowledged.
Trump’s comments came just a day after European leaders met in London to re-affirm joint efforts to stop the fighting. Asked whether Europe could help end the war, he dismissed them, saying: “They talk but they don’t produce. And the war just keeps going on and on.”
Meanwhile, US officials have been holding separate conversations with both Ukrainian and Russian envoys in search of a breakthrough, though no concrete agreement has emerged.
African observers say the continent is keeping a close watch on these developments, fearing that a rushed peace deal favouring Moscow could weaken the global rules that protect smaller nations — including many in Africa — from territorial aggression.
For now, Ukraine continues to urge Europe and NATO to help prevent a settlement that could leave the country exposed to future attacks, as global power players weigh their next moves.
