EU leaders back Ukraine as Trump takes on Zelensky
European leaders have expressed strong support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following a heated confrontation with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
The clash occurred on Friday when Trump urged Zelensky to negotiate with Russia, warning that the U.S. might withdraw its support otherwise.
During the Oval Office meeting, Trump criticized Zelensky for not showing enough gratitude for U.S. military and political aid, accusing him of "gambling with World War Three."
The tense exchange prompted a wave of solidarity from European leaders, who took to social media to reaffirm their backing for Ukraine. In response, Zelensky personally thanked each leader for their support.
German, French, Spanish, Polish, and Dutch leaders were among those who voiced their commitment to Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron declared, "There is an aggressor: Russia. There is a victim: Ukraine. Supporting Ukraine and sanctioning Russia was the right decision then, and it remains so now."
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof also emphasized the Netherlands' unwavering support, calling for a lasting peace and condemning Russia's aggression.
Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed that "no one desires peace more than the people of Ukraine," while his successor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, reiterated Germany's stance with Ukraine, cautioning against equating the aggressor with the victim.
Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez affirmed, "Ukraine, Spain stands with you," and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured Zelensky that Ukraine is "not alone."
The show of support extended beyond Europe, with leaders from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand echoing similar messages.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged continued support for Ukraine's quest for a just and lasting peace, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the courage of the Ukrainian people and condemned Russia's aggression.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen lauded Zelensky's leadership, stating, "Your dignity honours the bravery of the Ukrainian people."
In addition, leaders from Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Romania, Sweden, and Slovenia also expressed their solidarity.
However, not all European leaders aligned with this stance. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sided with Trump, asserting, "Strong men make peace, weak men make war," and thanked Trump for what he described as a courageous stand for peace.
Zelensky's visit to London, where he is attending a summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, comes amid these developments.
Downing Street reiterated the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine, highlighting the importance of continued international backing in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
