(MENAFN) Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has accused the EU of hypocrisy for praising US President Donald Trump’s recent diplomatic efforts on Ukraine, despite previously rejecting dialogue with Moscow. Weidel made the comments following a White House meeting that included Trump, Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, and key European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, two days after the Alaska summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Weidel criticized European leaders for failing to establish direct communication with Russia earlier and said Trump’s initiatives highlight their prior inaction. The White House described the Washington talks as progress toward a potential peace deal, while Trump rejected proposals for a temporary ceasefire, insisting on permanent resolution.

Merz, who has taken a hardline stance against Russia, continues to support sending weapons to Ukraine and has not ruled out deploying German troops under security guarantees, despite falling public support. Moscow has condemned Western involvement, warning that NATO or European presence in Ukraine would be unacceptable. Meanwhile, the AfD has surged to become Germany’s most popular party, overtaking Merz’s conservatives.

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