Following a tense exchange between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a joint Oval Office meeting in the White House, more than 20 world leaders have come out to declare support for Ukraine.
On Friday, February 28, President Trump, during a televised meeting, told Zelenskyy to be “thankful” and accused him of “gambling with World War Three” before it ended abruptly after the two leaders clashed in a heated exchange over Russia’s war against Kyiv.
In a fiery public confrontation, Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance castigated the Ukrainian leader for not being grateful enough for the U.S. support in the war.
“You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people,” Trump stated in the heated exchange.
“You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country – this country.”
Zelenskyy was meeting with his American counterpart to convince him not to side with President Vladimir Putin of Russia and discuss possible security guarantees by the United States for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire.
He also visited Washington for the expected signing of a deal that would give the US access to Ukrainian rare earth and critical minerals.
In his defense, the Ukrainian leader told Trump that there would be “no compromises with a killer on our territory”.
After Zelenskyy left the White House, Trump through social media app Truth Social wrote that the former was not “ready for peace if America is involved”.
“He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace,” he added.
World leaders declare support for Ukraine
Zelenskyy shortly after leaving the White House posted on X to thank the US for its support.
“Thank you POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that,” he wrote.
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Major world players led by European leaders have since lined up to show solidarity with the Ukrainian President after he came under attack from Trump and Vance in the stunning White House confrontation.
While they did not directly criticize the U.S. president, their comments made clear they stood by Kyiv.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron, on his part, said that Russia is the “aggressor” in the Ukraine war and Ukrainians are the “aggressed people”.
“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 all who have helped and continue to do so,” he said.
“Respect to those who have been fighting since the beginning—because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, their children, and the security of Europe.”
Germany
Incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz:
“Dear Volodymyr, we stand with #Ukraine in good and in testing times. We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.”
Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, on his part, said, “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.”
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with both Trump and Zelenskyy following their public fallout.
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Downing Street in a statement reported that Starmer said he is looking forward to “hosting international leaders on Sunday, including President Zelenskyy”.
“The Prime Minister has tonight spoken to both President Trump and President Zelenskyy. He retains his unwavering support for Ukraine and is playing his part to find a path forward to a lasting peace, based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine,” the statement by a No 10 spokeswoman read.
European Union
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted a message of solidarity with Zelenskyy.
“Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless,” she wrote on X.
“We will continue to work with you for a just and sustainable peace.”
Canada
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada will continue to stand with Ukrainians in achieving a just and lasting peace.
“Russia illegally and unjustifiably invaded Ukraine. For three years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience. Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all,” he wrote on X.
“Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians in achieving a just and lasting peace.”
Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement:
“For three years Australia has 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. Australia stands with Ukraine.”
Belgium
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said in a statement:
“We stand behind Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in their historic fight to defend themselves against an unprovoked Russian aggression. Their fight is our fight. United we are strong.”
The Netherlands
Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed support for the Ukrainian people:
“The Netherlands supports Ukraine as firmly as ever. Now more than ever. We want a lasting peace and an end to the war of aggression started by Russia. For Ukraine and its people, and for Europe.”
Spain
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also expressed solidarity with Ukraine.
“Ukraine, Spain stands with you,” he wrote on X.
Norway
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere:
“We stand by Ukraine in their fair struggle for a just and lasting peace.”
Sweden
“Sweden stands with Ukraine. You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe’s. Slava Ukraini!” Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on X.
Poland
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X:
“Dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.”
Slovenia
President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar said in a statement:
“Slovenia upholds the principles and respect of international law and international relations. What we witnessed in the Oval Office today undermines these values and the foundations of diplomacy. We stand firmly in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty.”
Estonia
President Alar Karis said in a statement on X:
“#Estonia’s support for #Ukraine is unwavering. Your courage inspires us all. We stand with you, President Zelenskyy, and with people of Ukraine. You are not alone.”
On his part, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said:
“We stand united with and Ukraine in our fight for freedom. Always. Because it is right, not easy.”
Czech Republic
President Petr Pavel wrote on X:
“We stand with Ukraine more than ever. Time for Europe to step up its efforts.”
Moldova
President Maia Sandu wrote on X:
“The truth is simple. Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine defends its freedom – and ours. We stand with Ukraine.”
Other countries that have declared support for Ukraine through their leaders include Austria (President Alexander Van der Bellen), Portugal (PM LuĂs Montenegro), Montenegro (President Jakov Milatovic), Ireland (PM Micheál Martin), and Latvia (President Edgars RinkÄ“viÄŤs).
Also, Finland (President Alexander Stubb), Croatia (PM Andrej Plenković), Romania (Interim President Ilie Bolojan), New Zealand (PM Christopher Luxon), Slovakia (President Zuzana Čaputová), Luxembourg (PM Luc Frieden), Lithuania (President Gitanas Nausėda), and Denmark (PM Mette Frederiksen), have expressed support for Ukraine.
Neutral
Italy
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed a summit involving the US and European leaders and allies, saying it was important to discuss how “to deal with the great challenges of today, starting with Ukraine.”
“Every division of the West makes us all weaker and favors those who would like to see the decline of our civilization,” Meloni said.
Support for Trump
Russia
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of the Russian Security Council, wrote on Telegram that Trump had given Ukraine a “strong slap on the wrist”.
Hungary
Prime Minister Viktor Orban was among the few voices in Europe that backed Trump.
“Strong men make peace, weak men make war. Today President @realDonaldTrump stood bravely for peace,” he wrote on X. “Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President!”
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