After Zelenskyy and Trump argue, EU leaders voice their full support for Ukraine
Just hours after the extraordinary exchanges at the White House between Ukraine’s President Zelenskky, US President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, European leaders were quick to voice their full support for Ukraine.
What the world hoped would be a productive meeting between leaders of the two countries after they traded jabs last week, quickly turned into a heated spat resulting in a shouting match in the White House’s Oval Office.
Trump berated Zelenskyy, saying: “You’re gambling with World War III, 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 have.”
Shortly after the heated, and at times angry exchanges many European leaders took to X, formerly Twitter, to express their continued unconditional support for Zelenskyy and Ukraine.
“Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It is up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge,” the EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, stated.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted: “You are never alone dear President”
Other top officials from the European Union also mirrored von der Leyen’s post, further reiterating Brussels’ support.
Friedrich Merz, who is likely to become Germany’s new chancellor, posted: “We must never confuse agressor and victim in this terrible war.”
While outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasised that no one wants peace more than Ukraine, adding that Kyiv can fully rely on Berlin and Europe.
Many other European leaders, including those of France, Poland, Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Germany, Lithuania, Moldova and Sweden chimed in with their support too.
But Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban went against the tide of support for Ukraine and thanked President Trump.
Trump took to his own social media platform, X, shortly after the meeting with Zelenskyy calling it “a very meaningful meeting”.
“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 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,” added Trump.
