Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received support from the European Union leaders along with several countries across the globe after an unexpected verbal spat broke out between him and United States President Donald Trump during their meeting at the White House on Friday.
World Leaders Including EU Countries Extend Support For Ukrainian President Zelenskyy After Verbal Spat With Trump
Zelenskyy’s timeline on X was filled with messages of support from European allies and other countries from across the world. His response to all the messages was “Thank you for your support.”
The two countries had planned to speak about ending the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine and also sign deals but when Zelenskyy said that Ukraine won't enter peace talks with Russia until it has security guarantees against another offensive, Trump said, “I'm not going to make security guarantees ... very much,” he added, "We're going to have Europe do that."
This led to Trump telling Zelenskyy, “You're gambling with the lives of millions of people. You're gambling with World War Three. You're gambling with World War Three, and what you're doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that's backed you far more than a lot of people say they should.”
When Zelenskyy referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Crimea in 2014, US Vice President JD Vance hit back saying, "I think it's disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media. ... you should be thanking the president for trying to bring you into this conference.”
EU Leaders Extend Support For Ukraine
Zelenskyy’s timeline on X was filled with messages of support from European allies and other countries from across the world. His response to all the messages was “Thank you for your support.”
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who was in India on Friday for an official visit, said in a post on X, “Your dignity honours the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President @ZelenskyyUa. We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, who met Trump at the White House just this past Monday, said in a post on X that 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.
"By “we,” I mean the Americans, the Europeans, the Canadians, the Japanese, and many others," Macron said.
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"Thank you to all who have helped and continue to do so. And respect to those who have been fighting since the beginning—because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, their children, and the security of Europe,” Macron said.
Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez in a post on X wrote, "Ukraine, Spain stands with you."
Friedrich Merz, Germany's likely next chancellor, wrote on X, “Dear Volodymyr @zelenskyyua, we stand with #Ukraine in good and in testing times. We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.”
Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal said his country stands united with Zelenskyy and Ukraine in its fight for freedom. "Always. Because it is right, not easy," Michal said.
Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo said he and the Finnish people stand firmly with Ukraine.
"We will continue our unwavering support and work towards a just and lasting peace," he said.
President of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics said Ukraine is a victim of Russian aggression.
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"It fights the war with the help of many friends and partners. We need to spare no effort for just and lasting peace. Diplomacy sometimes is the art of the impossible in difficult circumstances. Latvia stands with Ukraine," he said.
Prime Minister of Luxembourg Luc Frieden said his country stands with Ukraine.
"You are fighting for your freedom and a rules-based international order," he added.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sent a message to Zelenskyy insisting, “Dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone,” while the office of Sweden's prime minister said: “You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe.”
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp underlined support for Ukraine would come in the form of “whatever it takes, for as long as it takes.”
President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, said, "Ukraine, you'll never walk alone."
Simon Harris, Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland stated, "Ukraine is not to blame for this war brought about by Russia’s illegal invasion. We stand with Ukraine."
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Prime Minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro said, "Ukraine can always count on Portugal."
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a close Trump ally, she would call for an EU-US summit to get diplomacy back on track. “What is needed is an immediate summit between the United States, European states, and allies to talk frankly about how we intend to deal with the great challenges of today, starting with Ukraine, which together we have defended in recent years,” she said in a statement.
Also Read | The US-Ukraine Meltdown In The Oval Office
Support For Zelenskyy From Across The Globe
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Russia illegally and unjustifiably invaded Ukraine.
"For three years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience. Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all. Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians in achieving a just and lasting peace," Trudeau said.
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President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu extending her support for Zelenskyy wrote, "The truth is simple. Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine defends its freedom—and ours. We stand with Ukraine."
US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi also criticised President Trump and Vice President Vance, saying their “belittling treatment" of President Zelenskyy today was a disgrace.
"The American people stand with the people of Ukraine, even if our president would rather curry favour with Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin, and echo Russian talking points," he said.
Trump Praised By Associates
The White House put out a statement ‘Support Pours in for President Trump, VP Vance’s America First Strength’ and added that Trump and Vance "made clear to the world that the United States will not be taken advantage of — a sentiment echoed by the cabinet and members of Congress from across the country.”
The statement carried quotes from several lawmakers, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
“Thank you @POTUS for standing up for America in a way that no President has ever had the courage to do before. Thank you for putting America First. America is with you!,” Rubio, who was seated next to Vance in the Oval Office during the bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy as the talks unravelled, said.
Noem said, “I am so proud of our Commander-in-Chief. Thank you President @RealDonaldTrump and @VP for standing up for America. We will not tolerate the political games and disrespect of America. America is back.”
Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said, “Amen, Mr President” to a statement by Trump on X.
Trump & Zelenskyy's Reaction After Meeting
Minutes after the showdown in the Oval Office ended, Trump said in a statement, “We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure.
“It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involved because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want an advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace,” Trump said.
After departing the Oval Office, Zelenskyy said in a post on X, “Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
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