BRUSSELS ― In a significant display of unity, European leaders came together on Friday to defend Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following sharp criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a recent Oval Office meeting. The remarks from the American leaders were characterized as condescending and damaging, prompting a strong response from European officials.
Call for a new leadership in the free world
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, emphasized the need for a shift in leadership, stating:
“Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge.”
This sentiment reflects growing frustrations with the U.S. administration’s stance towards Russia, as European leaders push back against what they see as an increasing alignment between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
French President Emmanuel Macron explicitly condemned Trump’s attempts to equate the aggressor and the victim in the ongoing conflict, asserting,
“There is an aggressor, which is Russia and a people who have suffered aggression, which is Ukraine.”
He highlighted the significance of respecting those who are fighting for their dignity and independence, reinforcing the notion that Ukraine’s struggle is vital for the security of Europe.
Significant European support for Ukraine
Macron also pointed out that the U.S. is not the only nation supporting Ukraine, reminding everyone of the backing from European countries, Canada, and Japan. In stark contrast to Trump’s comments suggesting Zelenskyy was risking global conflict by refusing to concede to Russia, Macron stated, “If someone is playing World War III, his name is Vladimir Putin.”
Germany’s expected next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, expressed his unwavering support for Ukraine in a personal message addressed to Zelenskyy, pledging solidarity in both favorable and challenging times. As tensions between Europe and Washington escalate due to Trump’s rhetoric, the continent is bracing for potential divisions.
While European leaders are advocating for a comprehensive agreement that would provide post-war security guarantees to Ukraine, Trump has shown a reluctance to entertain such discussions, choosing instead to focus on securing reparations from Ukraine for U.S. aid through agreements on essential resources.
Trump has notably expressed a preference for Putin over Zelenskyy, labeling the Ukrainian president as a “dictator” while praising the Russian leader. He has echoed Kremlin narratives, suggesting that Ukraine should forego NATO membership and relinquish territory occupied by Russia.
In a collective show of support, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reassured Zelenskyy with the message,
“Dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by the Swedish Prime Minister and leaders from the Czech Republic, Spain, Latvia, and Lithuania, all affirming their commitment to Ukraine’s cause. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted a message of encouragement, reminding Zelenskyy that he is not alone in this struggle.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever declared,
“Their fight is our fight,”
while Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp reinforced the commitment to support Ukraine “whatever it takes, for as long as it takes.”
In a bid to prevent further rifts between Europe and the U.S., Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, a close ally of Trump, called for an EU-U.S. summit to discuss the pressing issues surrounding Ukraine. She stated,
“What is needed is an immediate summit between the United States, European states, and allies to talk frankly about how we intend to deal with the great challenges of today.”
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to host a meeting in London on Sunday, where Zelenskyy is expected to participate. A spokesperson for Starmer confirmed his unwavering support for Ukraine, following discussions with both Zelenskyy and Trump.
Amidst this backdrop, Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban took a contrasting view, thanking Trump for his stance, stating,
“Strong men make peace, weak men make war.”