FT: Trump likes winners Ukraine’s gains impress US president at NATO summit

U.S. President Donald Trump adopted a more conciliatory tone toward Ukraine during the NATO summit in Ankara, signalling a potential shift in Washington’s approach and prompting cautious optimism among European allies, the Financial Times reported.

According to the publication, Trump held a cordial meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and indicated a willingness to grant Kyiv a license to produce U.S.-made Patriot air defence missiles — a move NATO officials view as a possible sign of a tougher U.S. stance toward Russia.

The tone of the meeting contrasted sharply with a tense encounter at the White House in February 2025, when Trump criticised Zelenskyy, accusing him of ingratitude and saying he had “no cards”.

“It’s hard to believe, correct, from the Oval Office to now . . . I think we’ve developed a very good relationship,” Trump told Zelenskyy in Ankara. “This is going to be the beginning . . . And you know, the country [of Ukraine] has a lot of future.”

Trump also confirmed Washington could allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot surface-to-air interceptor missiles, describing the move as a significant step to bolster Kyiv’s defences amid intensified bombardment.

“That’s pretty cool,” Trump said.

One official told the Financial Times that Trump had made further U.S. support for Ukraine “clear” and was considering additional measures to help Kyiv gain ground on the battlefield.

“He was decent and serious inside [the room],” a second official said.

Despite earlier tensions during the summit, which initially featured renewed criticism of European allies by Trump, leaders said discussions ultimately ended on a more positive note.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed Trump’s closing remarks, saying: “I was very happy about US president Trump saying there is a ‘feeling of love in the air’ in his closing statement.”

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he agreed with Trump’s assessment that “in the room there was great spirit, great unity. That was reflected across the piece”.

The Financial Times reported that Trump had been briefed on battlefield developments suggesting Ukraine is gaining momentum, while Russia faces increasing challenges.

“Trump loves winners. And Ukraine has recently begun to win,” one NATO diplomat said.

At the same time, Trump reiterated criticism of some European allies in public, though officials said he expressed support for continued assistance to Ukraine in private discussions.

He also indicated plans to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting that Moscow’s conditions for ending the conflict appeared to be evolving.

By Tamilla Hasanova