Several world leaders threw their support behind Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after a contentious exchange with US President Donald Trump which sent shockwaves across the international community, raising fresh concerns about efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
President Trump, in a widely publicized confrontation, criticized Zelensky for not being “thankful” enough for US support, accusing the Ukrainian leader of “not being ready for peace” and of having “disrespected” the United States in the “cherished Oval Office.”
The dispute has drawn strong political reactions from leaders across the globe, underscoring divisions on how to approach the ongoing conflict.
EU Calls for Unity
European Union leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa reassured Zelensky of unwavering support, urging him to remain steadfast in the fight against Russian aggression.
“Be strong, be brave, be fearless,” the European Commission and Council presidents said in a joint statement, vowing to continue working with Ukraine “for a just and lasting peace.”
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, meanwhile, raised concerns over U.S. leadership in transatlantic security.
“Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge,” Kallas wrote on social media.
France and Germany Reaffirm Support
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Russia as the clear aggressor in the conflict.
“There is an aggressor, which is Russia. There is an aggressed people, which is Ukraine,” Macron told reporters. He dismissed Trump’s accusations that Zelensky was escalating tensions, stating, “If anyone is playing at World War III, it’s Vladimir Putin.”
In Germany, likely incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that the world must not “confuse the aggressor and the victim” in the war. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock echoed similar sentiments, reiterating Germany’s commitment to Kyiv.
Hungary and Italy Take Different Stances
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of both Trump and Putin, took a different tone, praising Trump for advocating “peace.”
“Strong men make peace, weak men make war,” Orban wrote on X.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for an urgent international summit to discuss the war in Ukraine.
“A summit without delay is needed… to talk frankly about how we intend to tackle today’s major challenges, starting with Ukraine,” Meloni said.
Unwavering Support from Other European Nations
Leaders from the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine.
“Dutch support for Ukraine remains undiminished. Especially now,” Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof wrote on X.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reassured Ukrainians: “Dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez echoed the sentiment, pledging continued aid to Kyiv. “Ukraine, Spain stands with you,” he wrote on X.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, ahead of a planned meeting with Zelensky, vowed “unwavering support” and emphasized efforts to broker a lasting peace based on Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
Russia and U.S. Democrats Respond
Russia seized on the clash, with former President Dmitry Medvedev calling Zelensky a “cocaine clown” and praising Trump for “telling the truth to his face.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Senate Democrats strongly criticized Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, accusing them of aligning with Putin.
“Trump and Vance are doing Putin’s dirty work,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a post on social media.
Ukraine Defends Its Stance
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal backed Zelensky’s position, arguing that “peace without guarantees is not possible.”
“Cease-fire without guarantees is the way to the Russian occupation of the entire European continent,” Shmygal warned.
Army Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, typically reserved on political matters, also spoke out, affirming the military’s support for Zelensky and urging national unity.
Global Allies Stand Firm
Canada reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine, emphasizing that Kyiv is fighting for “not only its freedom but also ours.”
Denmark expressed “pride” in supporting Ukraine, while Sweden referred to Ukrainians as “friends” in a show of solidarity.
As diplomatic tensions escalate, the fallout from Trump’s comments is likely to have lasting implications on international relations and efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine.
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