New Delhi: A heated confrontation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump at the White House resulted in Zelenskyy leaving without signing a deal on mineral resource exploitation. Trump accused Zelenskyy of disrespect and un-rediness for peace.
European leaders swiftly expressed solidarity with Zelenskyy and Ukraine following the White House clash. While their statements did not directly criticise the US, they indicated their unwavering support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasised that Russia is the aggressor and Ukraine the victim, highlighting Ukraine’s fight for dignity and European security.
“There is an aggressor: Russia. There is a people who are under attack: Ukraine,” French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X, adding “Respect to those who, since the beginning, have been fighting. Because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, for their children and for the security of Europe.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk offered a simple yet powerful message: “You are not alone.”
European Commission & Council presidents von der Leyen and Costa praised Zelenskyy’s dignity and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a just and lasting peace.
“Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone,” they said. “We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that Ukrainians desire peace more than anyone, and conservative leader Friedrich Merz reiterated unwavering support for Ukraine. “We stand with #Ukraine in good and in testing times. We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.”
Estonia’s Foreign Policy Chief, Kaja Kallas, called for a new leader in the free world and pledged increased support for Ukraine.”Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge,” she said.
“We will step up our support to Ukraine so that they can continue to fight back the aggressor.”
Also, other leaders from numerous EU countries like Sweden, Portugal, Slovenia, Finland, Netherlands, Portugal, Luxembourg, Ireland, Belgium and the Czech Republic voiced support for Ukraine, demonstrating a united front.
In contrast to the widespread European support, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a Trump ally, sided with the US president, suggesting that strong leaders make peace and praising Trump’s stance.
“Strong men make peace, weak men make war,” he posted on X. “Today President @realDonaldTrump stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President!”
Former Russian President and Deputy Chair of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev, praised Trump for supporting Russia. “The insolent pig finally got a proper slap down in the Oval Office. And @realDonaldTrump is right: The Kiev regime is “gambling with WWIII.””
