Following the meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump in Washington, and the early departure of the Ukrainian president amid a dispute with the American side, leaders from several European countries expressed their support for Ukraine. ZAXID.NET has compiled comments from various country leaders regarding the conflict between Zelensky and Trump.
Recall that on February 28, during a discussion with the press involving Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump, and Vice President Pence, a disagreement arose in which the American side stated that Ukraine "should be grateful" and reach a ceasefire agreement. In response, Zelensky remarked that "the US should not dictate to Ukraine what to do".
Following this, the press conference was halted, and Volodymyr Zelensky left the White House early. Donald Trump issued a statement on his social media platform Truth Social, accusing Volodymyr Zelensky of "unreadiness for peace." He also claimed that the Ukrainian president "showed disrespect." The agreement concerning rare earth minerals in Ukraine was reportedly disrupted, according to correspondents on the scene.
Leaders from several countries reacted to Trump's accusations. Below, we publish statements from countries whose politicians expressed support for Ukraine.
One of the first to comment on the dispute in the White House was Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
"Dear Volodymyr Zelensky, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone," he wrote on X.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that Russia is the aggressor, while Ukraine is the defending nation. "We must... respect those who have been fighting from the very beginning," the politician told reporters in Portugal.
Spanish President Pedro Sánchez expressed support for Ukraine, writing on X: "Ukraine, Spain is with you."
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed unwavering support for Ukraine and held phone conversations with both Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump, according to the BBC.
"The Prime Minister looks forward to welcoming international leaders, including President Zelensky, on Sunday," the statement from Starmer's press secretary noted.
Chosen Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz commented on the conversation between Trump and Zelensky at the White House, expressing support for the Ukrainian leader.
"Dear Volodymyr, we support Ukraine in both good and challenging times. We must never confuse the aggressor and the victim in this terrible war," he wrote.
Current Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz also expressed support for Ukraine, stating that no one desires peace more than the Ukrainians.
"Therefore, we are working towards a common path to a lasting and just peace. Ukraine can rely on Germany – and on Europe," he wrote.
"Ukraine, you will never walk alone," commented Lithuania's President Gitanas Nausėda on the dispute between Zelensky and Trump.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa briefly commented on the situation: "Latvia stands with Ukraine."
In commenting on the dispute between Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas expressed solidarity with Ukraine.
"We stand united with Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine in our fight for freedom. Always. Because it is right, not easy," wrote Kallas.
"We support Ukraine in its just fight for a fair and lasting peace,"
emphasized the country's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated that the country stands "with Ukraine on the side of the free world." The President of the country, Petr Pavel, also reacted to the situation in the White House.
"We stand with Ukraine like never before. It is time for Europe to ramp up its efforts," wrote he.
According to Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, the country "knows from experience that only a just peace can last." The politician expressed support for Ukraine, emphasizing that it needs a just peace.
Acting Chancellor of Austria and head of the country's Foreign Ministry Alexander Schallenberg also spoke out in support of Ukraine.
"Russia is the aggressor, and we share Ukraine's commitment to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace," he wrote.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu wrote on X words of support for Ukraine.
"The truth is simple. Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine is defending its freedom and ours. We stand with Ukraine," she stated.
The Swedish government also expressed support for Ukraine, emphasizing that Ukrainians "are fighting not only for their freedom but for all of Europe."
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro commented on the situation on his page on X, emphasizing that "Ukraine can always count on Portugal."
Finnish Prime Minister also confirmed the country's solidarity with Ukraine.
"Finland and the Finnish people stand firmly with Ukraine. We will continue our unwavering support and work towards a just and lasting peace," he announced.
The situation was also commented on by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who assured Volodymyr Zelensky that he "will never be alone."
"Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You will never be alone, dear President. We will continue to work with you for a just and sustainable peace," wrote her on X.
Moreover, the dispute between the US and Ukrainian presidents was also addressed by President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, supporting Ursula von der Leyen's words. "Public" reported, citing an unnamed EU official, that Costa called Volodymyr Zelensky and expressed his support on behalf of the entire European Union.
The head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, also backed Ukraine's position and promised that the EU would enhance its support for the ongoing fight against Russia.
"It became clear today that the free world needs a new leader. We, Europeans, must rise to this challenge," wrote he on X.
USA
The position of the Trump administration was criticized by representatives of the US Democratic Party. Specifically, US Senator Bernie Sanders stated that Donald Trump "has aligned himself with Putin."
"Trump criticizes Zelensky, the leader of a democratic country who is bravely fighting against Russian imperialism, while he aligns himself with Putin, the dictator who has initiated the bloodiest European war in 80 years. Sorry, President Trump. We believe in democracy, not authoritarianism," the senator wrote.
Volodymyr Zelensky thanked his partners for their support on his page on X. Earlier, the President of Ukraine also commented on his visit to the US.
"Thank you, America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you to the President, Congress, and the American people.
Ukraine needs a just and lasting peace, and we are working towards that," the president wrote on X.
The list of countries supporting Ukraine will