Fact Check: Trump claims Zelenskyy was 'nicer' during NATO reunion.

Fact Check: Trump claims Zelenskyy was 'nicer' during NATO reunion

What We Know

Former President Donald Trump stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "couldn’t have been nicer" during their meeting at the NATO Summit held in The Hague on June 25, 2025. This meeting occurred four months after a contentious encounter in the Oval Office, where Trump accused Zelenskyy of being "disrespectful" and failing to adequately thank the U.S. for its support during the ongoing conflict with Russia (People). During the NATO meeting, Trump expressed that he wanted to check on Zelenskyy's well-being and noted that their conversation was pleasant, emphasizing that Zelenskyy seemed eager to see an end to the conflict (KTEN).

Zelenskyy also characterized the meeting positively, describing it as "long and substantive" and thanking Trump for the U.S. support, indicating they discussed crucial issues, including achieving a ceasefire and peace (People).

Analysis

The claim that Trump said Zelenskyy was "nicer" during their NATO reunion is supported by multiple sources. Trump's comments were reported by People and KTEN, both of which provide direct quotes from Trump and context regarding their previous meeting. The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they are established media outlets that adhere to journalistic standards.

However, it is important to consider the context of the previous meeting in February 2025, which was marked by tension and accusations from Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance towards Zelenskyy. This history adds depth to Trump's characterization of their later meeting as "nicer." The contrast between the two encounters highlights a significant shift in tone, which may have been influenced by the diplomatic setting of the NATO summit compared to the more confrontational atmosphere of the Oval Office (People).

While the sources reporting on Trump's statements are credible, it is also essential to recognize that Trump's remarks may reflect a strategic attempt to project a positive relationship with Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. This context suggests that while the statement is factually accurate, it may also serve a political purpose.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
Trump's claim that Zelenskyy was "nicer" during their NATO reunion is accurate, as confirmed by multiple credible sources. The positive tone of their meeting contrasts sharply with their earlier confrontation, indicating a significant diplomatic shift. Given the context and the reliability of the reporting, the claim stands as true.