Why did Trump change his stance in favor of Ukraine?

2026-07-09 17:46:16Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Why did Trump change his stance in favor of Ukraine?

US President Donald Trump surprised European allies during the NATO summit in Ankara after changing his tone towards Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky.

European leaders were accustomed to Trump's criticism of NATO, demands for increased military spending and threats to withdraw US troops from Europe. However, this time his more positive stance on Ukraine caught the eye.

During the meeting with Zelensky, Trump said that relations between them have improved significantly compared to the clash they had at the White House in February 2025.

"I believe we have created a very good relationship. Ukraine is the future,"  Trump said.

He also announced that the US would grant Ukraine a license to produce  Patriot missile defense systems,  which are considered vital for defense against Russian air attacks.

Experts estimate that this decision could significantly strengthen Ukraine's defenses and put pressure on Russia to end the war.

Trump said he would hold a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and hinted that Moscow's conditions for ending the war may have changed.

" We're putting a lot of pressure on Putin. I don't think he's happy with what's happening ," the US president said.

However, Trump did not spare criticism of some NATO allies. He reiterated that the United States could withdraw troops from Europe, again demanded American control over Greenland, and criticized Spain, Great Britain, Germany and Italy for their lack of support for American military action against Iran.

Despite these statements, European leaders left the summit optimistic, calling Trump's change in stance on Ukraine the most important development of the meeting.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was pleased with the atmosphere created at the summit, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the meeting was held in a spirit of unity and cooperation. ( Financial Times )


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