European Leaders Unite in Support of Zelensky Amid Trump Tensions

In a display of diplomatic unity, prominent European leaders have backed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in response to a heated exchange he had with U.S. President Donald Trump. Following a tense meeting in the Oval Office, various European leaders offered their support on social media platforms, underscoring their commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty amidst ongoing conflict with Russia.

Zelensky's visit to the U.S. was characterized by a disagreement with Trump, who urged him to negotiate with Russia under threat of reduced support. Despite the clash, European leaders reaffirmed their loyalty to Ukraine, with many expressing that Putin's aggression must not go unanswered. The upcoming meeting in London with Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to continue building this collective stance as they contemplate future strategies for peace.

Zelensky's interactions with European leaders and their immediate support illustrate the intricate web of international diplomacy that is currently focused on the Ukraine conflict. As Zelensky prepares to engage with allies in the UK, the divisions revealed in the Oval Office highlight the contrasting approaches to diplomacy by different world leaders.

European leaders have rallied behind Volodymyr Zelensky after Donald Trump's furious exchange with the Ukrainian president in the White House. The leaders of Germany, France, Spain, Poland and the Netherlands were among those who posted social media messages backing Ukraine - with Zelensky responding directly to each one to thank them for their support. The Ukrainian president is travelling to London this weekend to attend a summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer who "retains unwavering support for Ukraine," Downing Street said. It comes after extraordinary scenes in the Oval Office on Friday as US President Trump clashed with Zelensky, telling him to make a deal with Russia "or we are out." At one point, Trump told Zelensky he was not thankful enough for US military and political support during Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion, and that he was "gambling with World War Three." As a flurry of supportive messages for Ukraine were posted by European leaders following the row - along with posts from the prime ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand - Zelensky replied to each one: "Thank you for your support." French President Emmanuel Macron posted: "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." Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said the Netherlands supports Ukraine "now more than ever," adding: "We want a lasting peace and an end to the war of aggression started by Russia. For Ukraine and its people, and for Europe." Germany's outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote that "no one wants peace more than the citizens of Ukraine," with his replacement-in-waiting Friedrich Merz adding that "we stand with Ukraine" and "we must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war." Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: "Ukraine, Spain stands with you," while his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk wrote: "Dear [Zelensky], dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Zelensky: "Your dignity honours the bravery of the Ukrainian people." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada "will continue to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians in achieving a just and lasting peace." Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted that his country had "proudly supported the brave people of Ukraine in their struggle to defend their sovereignty against the brutality of Russian aggression and in support of international law." There were also supportive messages for Ukraine from political leaders in Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Romania, Sweden and Slovenia. However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban voiced his support for Trump, writing: "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!" Zelensky left the White House early following his row with Trump - but afterwards thanked the US president on social media for his support, saying: "Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that." Writing on messenger app Telegram on Saturday, Zelensky said it was "very important for us that Ukraine is heard and that no one forgets about it, neither during the war nor after." "It is important for people in Ukraine to know that they are not alone, that their interests are represented in every country, in every corner of the world," he added. In an interview with Fox News following his White House visit, Zelensky said his row with Trump was "not good for both sides" but he thought the relationship could be salvaged. The pair interrupted each other repeatedly in front of the media during what was supposed to be a prelude to the two leaders signing an agreement that would give the US access to Ukraine's deposits of rare earth minerals. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for a summit "without delay" between the US, Europe and allies on Ukraine. Sir Keir's crunch talks at Downing Street on Sunday will see European leaders gear up efforts to police a future Ukraine peace deal. The UK prime minister believes a deal will have to involve US military assets providing surveillance, intelligence and potentially warplanes giving air cover to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin.