European leaders swiftly expressed unwavering support for Ukraine following President Trump’s harsh comments about President Zelensky during a White House meeting. Leaders from multiple countries, including France and Germany, praised Zelensky’s leadership and encouraged him to remain strong. Despite avoiding direct criticism of Trump, many emphasized the importance of backing Ukraine against Russian aggression. Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain reinforced his support by planning a meeting in London with Zelensky. In contrast, Hungary’s Prime Minister Orban appeared to align with Trump. Zelensky thanked both European leaders and Trump for their support, emphasizing Ukraine’s pursuit of a just peace.
European leaders swiftly expressed their ongoing support for Ukraine on Friday following President Trump’s sharp critique of Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, during a meeting at the White House.
In numerous statements, leaders from France, Germany, Poland, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Norway, Finland, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Belgium, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Ireland rallied behind Ukraine and commended its beleaguered leader.
While Western leaders generally refrained from directly criticizing Mr. Trump, who had told Mr. Zelensky he was “not in a good position” and vehemently threatened to withdraw American support for Ukraine unless a cease-fire deal with Russia was reached, many in Europe offered words of encouragement directly to Mr. Zelensky.
“Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people,” stated Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, on social media, addressing Mr. Zelensky. “Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, who had showcased camaraderie with Mr. Trump during a friendly visit to the White House earlier in the week, asserted that the United States and Europe were right to support Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
In his statement, Mr. Macron called on America to continue siding with the Ukrainians, whom he noted were “fighting for their dignity, their independence, their children, and the security of Europe.”
Friedrich Merz, who is poised to become Germany’s next chancellor after the country’s election this week, expressed in a statement addressed to “Dear Volodymyr” that his nation would support Ukraine “in both good and challenging times.”
“We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this cruel war,” Mr. Merz remarked, seemingly referencing Mr. Trump, who labeled Mr. Zelensky a dictator and accused him of inciting the invasion. The outgoing German leader, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, emphasized that Ukraine could depend on Germany and the rest of Europe.
Daniel Fried, a seasoned diplomat under American presidents from both parties who had recently returned from Brussels, noted that the Oval Office dispute had shocked Europe’s capitals, stirred a wave of sympathy for Mr. Zelensky, and disrupted a peace process that seemed to be making headway.
“The Europeans are horrified and dismayed,” Mr. Fried stated, adding that they perceive the United States shifting towards a great-power strategy where larger nations divide the world among themselves. “They are witnessing the change in America that they once knew and respected happening in just a few weeks.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a center-left leader who delicately sidestepped significant disagreements with Mr. Trump during his visit to the White House on Thursday, communicated with both Mr. Trump and Mr. Zelensky on Friday, per the prime minister’s office. Mr. Starmer “maintains his steadfast support for Ukraine and is working towards a pathway to sustainable peace,” the office disclosed in a statement.
Mr. Starmer is set to host an international meeting in London on Sunday with Mr. Zelensky and other European leaders regarding Ukraine.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a right-wing nationalist often at odds with much of Europe, appeared to align with Mr. Trump, stating on social media, “Strong men make peace, weak men make war.” He did not reference Ukraine or Mr. Zelensky in his post.
Mr. Trump’s reprimand of Mr. Zelensky also predictably garnered acclaim in Russia. Dmitri Medvedev, a former Russian president who now serves as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, stated on Telegram that Mr. Trump had spoken “the truth.”
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly joined the European leaders in expressing solidarity with Ukraine, telling reporters that Ukrainians were “fighting for their own freedoms, but also for ours.”
Ms. Joly, whose country’s relationship with Mr. Trump has been severely strained due to the American president’s threats to annex Canada and proposed tariffs, underscored the necessity of maintaining Western unity regarding the war in Ukraine. She remarked that the Russians were observing.
Mr. Zelensky responded to each European leader via social media, expressing his gratitude: “Thank you for your support.”
However, he extended his most extensive gratitude to Mr. Trump, who had mentioned in the Oval Office earlier that day that Mr. Zelensky was not showing adequate appreciation for American assistance.
“Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit,” wrote Mr. Zelensky, also expressing thanks to Mr. Trump, adding, “Ukraine seeks just and lasting peace, and we are working diligently towards that.”
Stephen Castle, Christopher F. Schuetze, Nataliya Vasilyeva and Megan Specia contributed reporting.