European leaders expressed solidarity with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy following a confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump, who criticized Zelenskiy. Leaders from across Europe quickly voiced their support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing the need for unity against aggression. French President Emmanuel Macron and other officials reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine, highlighting the bravery of its people. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reassured Zelenskiy that he is not alone, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated that Ukrainians desire peace. In contrast, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban supported Trump, calling for strong leadership to achieve peace.
On Friday, European leaders united in their support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, following his confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a remarkable shouting match at the White House.
Shortly thereafter, prime ministers and presidents from across Europe took to social media to express their backing for Zelenskiy and Ukraine in its struggle against Russia’s invasion, in light of the unusual altercation.
Although they refrained from directly criticizing the U.S. president, their remarks underscored their allegiance to Kyiv, highlighting a significant division between the traditional allies, the United States and Europe, regarding the ongoing conflict since Trump returned to power.
“There is an aggressor: Russia. There is a people who are under attack: Ukraine,” French President Emmanuel Macron, who met with Trump earlier this week, shared on X.
“Respect to those who have been fighting from the beginning. They are fighting for their dignity, their independence, for their children, and for the security of Europe,” Macron continued.
Earlier, Trump had accused Zelenskiy of showing disrespect towards the U.S. The two leaders were anticipated to finalize an agreement on utilizing Ukraine’s mineral resources, but Zelenskiy departed the White House without sealing the deal.
Trump further claimed that Zelenskiy was not prepared for peace.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk was among the first to express his solidarity with Zelenskiy and Ukraine via social media, assuring them: “You are not alone.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, the two highest-ranking officials in the European Union, conveyed a joint message to Zelenskiy: “Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people.”
“Stay strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone,” they added. “We will continue to work alongside you towards a just and lasting peace.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz remarked: “Nobody desires peace more than the Ukrainians do.”
Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s conservative party and likely successor to Scholz following his party’s victory in last Sunday’s general election, tweeted: “We stand with #Ukraine in both good and challenging times. We must never conflate aggressor and victim in this dreadful war.”
The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, a former prime minister of Estonia, was straightforward in her statements.
“Today, it became evident that the free world is in need of a new leader. It’s our responsibility, as Europeans, to embrace this challenge,” she stated.
“We will enhance our support for Ukraine, enabling them to continue to push back against the aggressor.”
Leaders from Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden also showed their support for Ukraine.
In contrast, Hungarian nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, an ally of Trump, sided with the U.S. president.
“Strong men make peace; weak men cause war,” he tweeted on X. “Today, President @realDonaldTrump stood courageously for peace, even if it was hard for many to accept. Thank you, Mr. President!”