Trump’s Ukraine Stance Draws Criticism from Former EU Diplomat

Former European Union diplomat Joao Vale De Almeida has criticized former President Donald Trump’s approach to the ongoing Ukraine war, stating it has resulted in “a lot of smiles in Moscow.” De Almeida, who previously served as the EU ambassador to the United States, expressed concerns over Trump’s perceived favoritism towards Russian President Vladimir Putin compared to European leaders.

Speaking on December 9, 2025, during an appearance on Times Radio, De Almeida emphasized that Trump’s comments indicate a disconnect from reality. He remarked, “We appreciate President Trump’s interest in Europe, but we fear he is talking about an alternate reality.” He challenged Trump’s characterization of Europe, asserting, “We’re not going extinct or committing suicide,” in response to the former president’s recent remarks about European leaders being “weak.”

De Almeida’s comments follow Trump’s harsh critique of Europe, which he labeled as “decaying.” The former diplomat accused Trump of siding with Russia in his efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine. He articulated that allies have the right to express concern over each other’s actions but noted that interference in political processes is unacceptable.

“There are a lot of smiles in Moscow these days,” De Almeida stated, reflecting on the implications of Trump’s rhetoric. His concerns extend beyond mere words; he highlighted the significant security threats posed by Putin and China. He emphasized that rushing to a resolution in Ukraine without ensuring the security of both Ukraine and the 27 EU member states would have dire consequences for Europe.

As discussions around peace efforts continue, Trump’s frustrations are evident. Last month, he presented a 28-point peace plan aimed at resolving the conflict, which faced backlash for seemingly rewarding Putin for his aggressive actions in Ukraine. Meanwhile, a modified proposal from Europe has also been dismissed by Moscow, resulting in a stalemate without any clear path to a ceasefire.

De Almeida argued that Trump’s approach undermines the transatlantic partnership and emboldens Putin. He expressed disappointment that the former president shows more respect for Russia than for European allies. “We are not living in easy times,” he asserted, stressing the importance of unity in facing these global challenges.

The former EU ambassador’s statements resonate with many European leaders who are increasingly wary of Trump’s influence and the potential ramifications of his foreign policy stance. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the international community remains vigilant about the evolving geopolitical landscape and the roles played by key figures like Trump and Putin.