European leaders rally behind Zelensky after White House clash with Trump

European leaders rushed to support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, following his tense confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House.

US President Donald Trump prepares to speak to the media about his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as he departs the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 28 February 2025. The Ukrainian leader was asked to leave the White House after Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated him during a meeting in the Oval Office.

EPA/JIM LO SCALZO

Trump had accused Zelensky of disrespecting the United States, and their long-anticipated deal on exploiting Ukraine’s mineral resources fell through when Zelensky left Washington without signing.

European leaders speak out

French President Emmanuel Macron, who met Trump earlier this week, underlined that Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine is under attack, praising Ukrainians’ struggle for “dignity and independence.”

There is an aggressor: Russia.

There is a victim: Ukraine.

We were right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago—and to keep doing so.

By “we,” I mean the Americans, the Europeans, the Canadians, the Japanese, and many others.

Thank you to…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 28, 2025

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, “Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians,” while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured Kyiv, “You are not alone.”

Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians do. Therefore we are working on a common path to a lasting and just peace. Ukraine can rely on Germany – and on Europe.

— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) February 28, 2025

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa pledged continued support for a “just and lasting peace,” while former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, now the EU’s foreign policy chief, asserted the “free world needs a new leader” if Washington falls short.

Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people.

Be strong, be brave, be fearless.
You are never alone, dear President @ZelenskyyUa.

We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 28, 2025

Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a Trump ally, sided with the U.S. president, thanking him for “standing bravely for peace”.

Strong men make peace, weak men make war.

Today President @realDonaldTrump stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President!

— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) February 28, 2025

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Source: Reuters, PAP, IAR