Trump says Putin fears United States, not Europe

US President Donald Trump has said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not afraid of Europe but does fear the United States under Trump’s leadership.

Speaking to reporters, Trump was asked what Europe should do regarding Ukraine. In response, he said Europe has done a great deal to support Ukraine, but that its efforts have not been sufficient.

“Europe has done so much for Ukraine, but it has not been enough. Clearly, I would say that President Putin is not afraid of Europe, he is afraid of the United States. Under my leadership. There is no fear of Europe,” Trump said.

Trump also remarked that Europe has “become a different place” and needs to “get itself together”.

During the same exchange with journalists, Trump said he had always had a “great relationship” with Putin but expressed disappointment with him in the context of resolving the war. This is not the first time Trump has publicly voiced frustration with the Russian leader.

Trump was also asked whether he would consider a Venezuela-style special operation to detain Putin in Russia. The US President said he hopes such a scenario will not be necessary.

Earlier, Politico reported that Putin’s rigidity in negotiations has at times irritated Trump and complicated diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine.