European leaders have voiced strong support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following a heated exchange between him and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
Germany, France, Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands were among the nations that publicly reaffirmed their backing for Ukraine, with Zelensky personally responding to each message of solidarity. The show of support came as the Ukrainian leader prepared to travel to London for a summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who, according to Downing Street, “retains unwavering support for Ukraine.”
The diplomatic fallout follows a dramatic encounter in the Oval Office on Friday, where Trump urged Zelensky to negotiate with Russia, warning, “or we are out.” At one point, Trump accused Zelensky of not showing enough gratitude for U.S. military and political aid, further stating that the Ukrainian leader was “gambling with World War Three.”
In the aftermath of the exchange, a wave of statements from world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron underscored the stakes, stating, “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 echoed the sentiment, saying the Netherlands supports Ukraine “now more than ever,” while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that “no one wants peace more than the citizens of Ukraine.” His successor, Friedrich Merz, reiterated that “we stand with Ukraine” and must “never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declared, “Ukraine, Spain stands with you,” and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured, “Dear [Zelensky], dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Ukraine’s resilience, telling Zelensky, “Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people.”
Beyond Europe, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau affirmed Canada’s continued support for Ukraine in achieving a “just and lasting peace,” while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lauded Ukraine’s fight against “the brutality of Russian aggression and in support of international law.”
Leaders from Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Romania, Sweden, and Slovenia also sent messages of solidarity.
However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sided with Trump, posting, “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!”
Following the tense meeting, Zelensky left the White House early but later thanked Trump on social media, writing, “Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.” In a Telegram post on Saturday, he stressed the importance of global attention on Ukraine, stating, “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 admitted that the confrontation with Trump was “not good for both sides” but expressed hope for repairing the relationship.
The clash also overshadowed what was supposed to be a significant agreement granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth mineral deposits. Tensions escalated when U.S. Vice President JD Vance urged Zelensky to end the war through diplomacy, prompting Zelensky to challenge what kind of diplomacy was being proposed, referencing a failed 2019 ceasefire deal. Vance accused him of being disrespectful and “litigating” the issue in front of the media.
In response to the escalating tensions, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for an urgent summit between the U.S., Europe, and allied nations. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to host crucial talks on Sunday at Downing Street, where European leaders will strategize on ensuring a lasting Ukraine peace deal.
Starmer is expected to push for a peace agreement that would include U.S. military assets providing surveillance, intelligence, and potentially air support to deter Russian aggression.
