Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has received strong support from European leaders following a tense confrontation with former US President Donald Trump at the White House. Leaders from Germany, France, Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands expressed their backing for Ukraine, reassuring Zelensky of their continued support. In response, Zelensky personally thanked each leader for standing with Ukraine.
Zelensky traveled to London for a summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The British government reaffirmed its “unwavering support” for Ukraine, highlighting the country’s ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. This visit followed a dramatic encounter between Zelensky and Trump in the Oval Office, where Trump urged Ukraine to negotiate a peace deal with Russia or risk losing US support. Trump accused Zelensky of not showing enough gratitude for the military and political assistance the US had provided and warned that Ukraine was “gambling with World War Three.”
As news of the heated exchange spread, European leaders and other global allies quickly voiced their solidarity with Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron posted on social media, stating that Russia was the aggressor and Ukraine the victim. He emphasized that supporting Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia were the right decisions and must continue. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof echoed this sentiment, saying that the Netherlands supported Ukraine “now more than ever” and wished for a lasting peace that would end Russia’s war of aggression.
Germany also expressed firm support for Ukraine. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed that “no one wants peace more than the citizens of Ukraine.” His successor, Friedrich Merz, reaffirmed Germany’s position, stating, “We stand with Ukraine, and we must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.” Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the dispute between Zelensky and Trump as an “unspeakable” moment, comparing it to a “bad dream.” She said it marked the beginning of a “new age of infamy” and pledged to push for additional measures to help Ukraine defend itself, even if US support diminished.
Leaders from other European countries also expressed their unwavering support. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez addressed Ukraine directly, saying, “Spain stands with you.” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured Zelensky and the Ukrainian people that they were “not alone.” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to helping Ukraine achieve a just and lasting peace. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that Australia had proudly supported Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and upholding international law.
European Union leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen issued a joint statement promising that Ukraine was “never alone” and pledged to continue working towards a fair and lasting peace. Their words were reinforced by messages of support from Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Romania, Sweden, and Slovenia.
However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sided with Trump, praising his stance on the issue. Orban suggested that “strong men make peace, weak men make war,” and commended Trump for advocating peace, even if his position was difficult for many to accept.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte revealed that he had spoken with Zelensky twice after the White House meeting. He did not disclose details of their discussions but emphasized the need to respect the support Trump had provided to Ukraine so far. Rutte advised Zelensky to find a way to mend his relationship with the former US president.
Despite the disagreement, Zelensky remained diplomatic and thanked Trump on social media for his continued support. He stated that Ukraine sought a “just and lasting peace” and would keep working towards that goal. Writing on Telegram, he stressed the importance of keeping Ukraine’s struggle in the global spotlight and ensuring that the country’s interests were represented worldwide.
In an interview with Fox News after leaving the White House, Zelensky acknowledged that his dispute with Trump had not been beneficial for either side. However, he expressed hope that their relationship could still be repaired. Their public argument disrupted what was meant to be a formal signing ceremony for an agreement allowing the US access to Ukraine’s deposits of rare earth minerals.
Zelensky’s meeting with Trump was meant to strengthen US-Ukraine ties, but instead, it highlighted growing tensions between the two leaders. As Ukraine continues to fight against Russian forces, international support remains crucial. While European allies have reinforced their commitment to standing with Ukraine, the uncertainty surrounding US support raises concerns about the future of the conflict.
