Trump calls out Europe for 'funding' Putin's war and failing to 'pressure' China
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

President Donald Trump called on European leaders to stop “funding” Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine and accused them of failing to pressure China.

In a statement to Fox News Digital following a call between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders who met in Paris for a Coalition of the Willing summit, a White House official said, “President Trump emphasized that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that is funding the war – as Russia received €1.1 billion [nearly $1.3 billion] in fuel sales from the EU in one year. 

“The President also emphasized that European leaders must place economic pressure on China for funding Russia’s war efforts,” the official added.

Macron walks with Zelenskyy

France’s President Emmanuel Macron, right, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrive to chair the Coalition of the Willing Summit, at The Elysee presidential Palace in Paris, on Sept. 4, 2025. (Ludovic Marin/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said the meeting focused on how to up the “pressure” on Putin to end his three-and-a-half-year-long war. 

“We talked about how to push the situation toward real peace,” Zelenskyy said. “We discussed different options, and the most important is pressure, using strong measures, particularly economic ones, to force an end to the war. 

“The key to peace is depriving Russia’s war machine of money, depriving it of resources,” he added. 

Zelenskyy also said the leaders discussed how to better defend Ukraine’s skies from the constant barrage of missile and drone attacks by Russia, though the White House did not respond to Fox News Digital’s questions on whether the U.S. has pledged further support.

“Ukraine has proposed a format for protecting our skies for the U.S. to consider,” Zelenskyy said. “I thank President Trump for supporting our people. We agreed on further contacts.”

The meeting came just one day after Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Bejing for a military parade commemorating the cessation of World War II hostilities 80 years ago.

Both China and North Korea have remained steadfast supporters of Putin during his war in Ukraine and amid rebuke from the West. 

Leaders meet in Paris for Coalition of the Willing meeting

White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, center, speaks with France’s President Emmanuel Macron during the Coalition of the Willing Summit in Paris, on Sept. 4, 2025. (Ludovic Marin/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Putin on Wednesday also invited Zelenskyy to meet with him in Moscow, which Ukrainian and Western security officials have flagged as disingenuous amid pressure from Trump for the pair to meet. 

Trump said he will speak with Putin in the coming days. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia's brother arrested for public intoxication at game for second time this season

Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia’s Brother Faces Second Public Intoxication Arrest at Game This Season

During a gripping match between Vanderbilt and Tennessee, attention was unexpectedly drawn…
Chinese cyberattack campaign likely impacted every American, former FBI official says

Massive Chinese Cyberattack Breaches U.S. Security: Every American Potentially Affected, Ex-FBI Official Warns

A former official from the FBI has revealed that a cyberattack sponsored…
Thousands of Afghans flagged on 'national security' grounds since 2021

Revealed: The Alarming Surge of Afghan Nationals Under National Security Scrutiny Since 2021

The U.S. government has flagged thousands of Afghan evacuees for potential national…
More Americans are realizing a four-year degree is an expensive scam

Increasing Number of Americans Question the Value of a Four-Year Degree Amid Rising Costs

In recent years, a growing number of Americans have come to realize…
Luigi Mangione's lawyers cry foul over portrayal of him as 'left-wing' and Antifa

DOJ Insists on Maintaining Death Penalty Option in Luigi Mangione Murder Case

In a recent legal development, attorneys from the Justice Department have firmly…
Trust me, this 30 DAY detox plan will get you thin without Ozempic

Discover a 30-Day Detox Plan for Natural Weight Loss Without Ozempic

My journey to becoming a fitness expert and health enthusiast was far…
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submits request for a pardon during his ongoing corruption trial

Israeli PM Netanyahu Seeks Pardon Amidst Corruption Trial Proceedings

In Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken the notable…
How Somali fraudsters ran riot in Minnesota under Tim Walz's watch

Rampant Fraud in Minnesota: Somali Scammers Exploit System Amid Tim Walz’s Leadership

Public trust in Minnesota’s social safety net has been deeply undermined following…