WASHINGTON, Mar 1: After a heated exchange between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, leaders across Europe swiftly expressed their unwavering support for Ukraine. The altercation, which took place on February 28, 2025, saw Zelensky leave the White House early following a shouting match with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, leading to the cancellation of a joint press conference and the signing of a critical minerals agreement.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas, along with other European leaders, voiced strong backing for Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. “We will step up our support to Ukraine so that they can continue to fight back the aggressor,” Kallas stated on social media. German Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz also showed solidarity, emphasizing that “we must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed that “Ukraine can rely on Germany and on Europe,” while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Zelensky for his dignity in the face of adversity.
The confrontation between Trump and Zelensky centered around security guarantees for Ukraine, with Trump accusing Zelensky of being ungrateful for US support. “You’re not acting at all thankful. It’s not a nice thing,” Trump reportedly told Zelensky, who was pressing for a US security commitment. Despite the heated disagreement, European leaders continued to echo support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and defense against Russian aggression.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk joined the chorus of global leaders backing Ukraine. Macron reiterated that “there is one attacker: Russia,” and stressed that Ukraine, “fighting for its freedom,” had the support of the international community. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also expressed solidarity, writing, “Ukraine, Spain stands with you.”
Ukrainian officials, including Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, reaffirmed their support for President Zelensky. Shmyhal wrote that “President Zelensky is right. Peace without guarantees is not possible,” while Stefanchuk declared full support for Zelensky and stressed that Ukraine was the victim of Russian aggression.
After leaving Washington, President Zelensky thanked the United States for its ongoing support, despite the clash. He stated, “Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that,” while continuing to advocate for peace with security guarantees.
Leaders from several other countries, including Ireland, Sweden, Estonia, and the Netherlands, echoed similar sentiments, reinforcing their support for Ukraine and condemning Russia’s invasion. Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna made a strong statement, saying, “The only obstacle to peace is Putin’s decision to continue his war of aggression.” The Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp also reiterated his commitment to Ukraine, stating, “Whatever it takes, for as long as it takes.”
Despite the diplomatic setback in Washington, the international community’s solidarity with Ukraine remains resolute, underscoring a global consensus on supporting Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and peace.
