European leaders have rallied behind Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following a tense exchange between him and Donald Trump in the White House.
The leaders of Germany, France, Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands were among those who posted messages of support for Ukraine on social media, with Zelensky personally responding to each one to express his gratitude. The Ukrainian president has now arrived in London to attend a summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who, according to Downing Street, “retains unwavering support for Ukraine.”
The diplomatic fallout follows dramatic scenes in the Oval Office on Friday, where Trump told Zelensky to negotiate peace with Russia “or we are out.” Trump also accused Zelensky of lacking gratitude for US military and political backing, warning him that he was “gambling with World War Three.”
In the aftermath, European leaders issued statements reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron declared: “There is an aggressor: Russia. There is a victim: Ukraine. We were right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago – and to keep doing so.”
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof stated that the Netherlands supports Ukraine “now more than ever” and emphasized: “We want a lasting peace and an end to the war of aggression started by Russia. For Ukraine and its people, and for Europe.”
Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz affirmed that “no one wants peace more than the citizens of Ukraine,” while his likely successor, Friedrich Merz, reiterated: “We stand with Ukraine” and “we must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.”
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the Oval Office clash as an “unspeakable” moment that felt like “a bad dream” and signaled “a new age of infamy.” She pledged to “wholeheartedly push” for measures that would support Ukraine even if the US withdrew aid, ensuring “a just peace and not a capitulation.”
Further messages of solidarity came from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who said, “Ukraine, Spain stands with you,” and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who reassured, “Dear [Zelensky], dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reaffirmed that Canada “will continue to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians in achieving a just and lasting peace.” Similarly, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared that Australia had “proudly supported the brave people of Ukraine in their struggle to defend their sovereignty against the brutality of Russian aggression and in support of international law.”
European Union leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen jointly assured Zelensky: “We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.”
In contrast, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán voiced his support for Trump, writing: “Strong men make peace, weak men make war. Today President @realDonaldTrump stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr President!”
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte revealed that he had spoken with Zelensky twice since the White House meeting. While he declined to disclose details, he mentioned advising Zelensky that “we have to respect” Trump’s contributions to Ukraine and encouraged him to “find a way” to restore relations with the US president.
Following the tense meeting, Zelensky thanked Trump for his support on social media, stating, “Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
Writing on Telegram, Zelensky emphasized the importance of keeping Ukraine in global discussions: “It is very important for us that Ukraine is heard and that no one forgets about it, neither during the war nor after.” He added, “It is important for people in Ukraine to know that they are not alone, that their interests are represented in every country, in every corner of the world.”
In an interview with Fox News, Zelensky acknowledged that his dispute with Trump was “not good for both sides” but expressed optimism about salvaging their relationship.
The confrontation, which saw both leaders interrupting each other in front of the media, overshadowed what was meant to be a formal signing of an agreement granting the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth mineral deposits.