In a new interview on Fox News, President Donald Trump said he stopped a meeting with European leaders about Ukraine because he didn’t want to upset Russian President Vladimir Putin by calling him in front of them.
Speaking to Fox & Friends on Tuesday, Trump admitted, “I didn’t do it in front of them. I thought that would be disrespectful to President Putin.”
Trump was responding to questions about reports that he broke off a meeting with European Union officials to speak privately with Putin. He said the European leaders expected it, but he still chose to step away.
“I wouldn’t do that because they have not had the warmest relations,” Trump said, referring to tensions between Russia and the EU. “And actually, President Putin wouldn’t talk to the people from Europe.”
Trump claimed Putin had avoided contact with both the White House and European officials for years. “It was a long time that he didn’t speak to anybody from Europe,” he said. “No, it’s a fractured relationship.”
Despite years of strained ties and the ongoing war in Ukraine, Trump defended his relationship with Putin. “I always had, despite the Russia, Russia, Russia, Russia hoax — which truly was a very dangerous thing for our country — I maintained a very good relationship,” he said.
He also described a recent encounter with Putin in Alaska, where they both landed around the same time.
“I mean, you saw that when he got off his plane, I got off my plane,” Trump said. “There’s a warmth there that you can’t — you know, there’s a decent feeling. And it’s a good thing, not a bad thing.”
Trump’s comments have already sparked backlash, with critics saying they show more concern for Putin’s feelings than for America’s allies or Ukraine.
Watch the video below from Fox News.
Donald Trump: “I didn't call Putin it in front of the European leaders. I thought that would be disrespectful to President Putin. I wouldn’t do that.”
Trump would never disrespect his boss
pic.twitter.com/cLmEf4yCOd— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) August 19, 2025
