Global Leaders Renew Commitment to Ukraine Following Turbulent White House Meeting with Trump

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Global Leaders Renew Commitment to Ukraine Following Turbulent White House Meeting with Trump

Synopsis

In the wake of a contentious meeting between US President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky, European leaders have swiftly expressed their unwavering support for Ukraine. Key figures like Kaja Kallas, Olaf Scholz, and Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of solidarity against Russian aggression, while Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine's quest for lasting peace.

Key Takeaways

  • European leaders united in support of Ukraine following Trump-Zelensky clash.
  • Kaja Kallas emphasized increased assistance for Ukraine.
  • Germany and France reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine's fight.
  • Zelensky expressed gratitude for US support despite tensions.
  • Global solidarity against Russian aggression remains strong.

Washington, March 1 (NationPress) Following the tumultuous meeting at the White House between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which erupted into a shouting match on Friday, there was an immediate and widespread outpouring of support for Ukraine from various European leaders.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas expressed her backing for President Zelensky, stating, "We will increase our assistance to Ukraine to enable them to defend themselves against the aggressor," via a post on X.

Kallas highlighted that "the free world needs a new leader" and emphasized that it is Europe's responsibility to face this challenge head-on.

In solidarity, Friedrich Merz, Germany's Chancellor-in-waiting, supported President Zelensky during his confrontation with Trump, asserting: "We stand with Ukraine in both good and challenging times."

"We must never confuse the aggressor with the victim in this dreadful war," Merz emphasized in his post on X.

Germany's departing Chancellor Olaf Scholz also voiced his support, assuring that "Ukraine can count on Germany and Europe," following the heated exchange in the Oval Office.

"Nobody desires peace more than the citizens of Ukraine. That is why we are collaboratively seeking a path to a lasting and just peace," Scholz stated on X.

European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen joined other European leaders in expressing solidarity with Ukraine after President Zelensky's abrupt departure from Washington D.C. following the confrontation with Trump and Vice-President J.D. Vance.

"Your dignity honors the courage of the Ukrainian people," von der Leyen remarked, encouraging Ukrainians to "be strong, be brave, be fearless."

"You are never alone, dear President Zelensky. We will persist in collaborating with you for a fair and lasting peace," she continued, posting her message in both English and Ukrainian.

Top Ukrainian officials, including the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, voiced their support for President Zelensky after his clash with Trump and Vance.

"President Zelensky is correct. Peace without guarantees is unattainable," Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated on X.

Meanwhile, Ruslan Stefanchuk, the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, declared: "Full support for President Zelensky! Full support for Ukraine and its people! NO ONE should forget that in this conflict, Russia is the aggressor and Ukraine is the victim of aggression."

Following the clash, Germany's outgoing Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock affirmed, "Ukraine is not alone."

"Germany, along with our European allies, stands united with Ukraine — and against Russian aggression. Ukraine can rely on the unwavering support from Germany, Europe, and beyond. Their defense of democracy and their pursuit of peace and security is also our mission," she wrote on X.

After leaving the White House early following unproductive discussions with Trump, President Zelensky expressed gratitude to America.

"Thank you, America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you, US President, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine requires a just and lasting peace, and we are actively working towards that," he stated on X.

During their heated exchange in the Oval Office, Zelensky was repeatedly labeled as ungrateful by Trump and Vance.

French President Emmanuel Macron, commenting on the shouting match between Zelensky and Trump, asserted that Russia is the aggressor, while Ukrainians are the victims.

"We must... respect those who have been fighting from the beginning," Macron told reporters in Portugal.

The French President later tweeted: "There is one attacker: Russia. There is one people under attack: Ukraine."

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also extended his support to Zelensky, stating: "Dear President Zelensky, dear friends in Ukraine, you are not alone," on X following the Trump-Zelensky confrontation.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed, "Ukraine, Spain stands with you," in three languages on X: Spanish, English, and Ukrainian.

Ukrainian President Zelensky departed the White House early after a heated exchange with Trump and Vance.

A White House official indicated that the leaders did not finalize the critical minerals agreement, and their joint press conference was also called off.

After the intense discussion in the Oval Office, President Trump concluded the talks with Zelensky, who reportedly exited the White House prematurely.

"I have concluded that President Zelensky is not prepared for peace if America is involved, as he feels our involvement affords him a significant advantage in negotiations. I do not seek advantage; I desire PEACE," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

The US president remarked that Zelensky "disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office."

"He can return when he is ready for peace," Trump added.

The meeting between President Zelensky and his US counterpart Trump was marked by open confrontation.

"You are not showing gratitude at all. It’s not a pleasant thing," the US President allegedly stated when Zelensky requested security guarantees.

"It’s going to be incredibly challenging to conduct business like this," he warned.

"You either need to make a deal, or we’re out, and if we’re out, you will have to fight it out. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty," Trump told Zelensky.

Trump and Vice-President Vance labeled Zelensky as "disrespectful" when he sought a US security commitment.

"You’re betting with the lives of millions. You’re risking World War III, and what you’re doing is profoundly disrespectful to a country that has supported you more than many claim it should have," Trump asserted.

Zelensky shook his head and crossed his arms as Trump and Vance accused him of being ungrateful for US assistance.

"Ukraine is not responsible for this war initiated by Russia’s illegal invasion," stated Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris. "We stand with Ukraine."

Similar sentiments were echoed by leaders from Sweden, Norway, Latvia, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania.

Swedish Prime Minister's Office declared: "Sweden stands with Ukraine. You are not just fighting for your freedom but for the freedom of all of Europe. Slava Ukraini!"

Estonia's Foreign Affairs Minister Margus Tsahkna stated: "The sole barrier to peace is Putin's choice to persist with his war of aggression. If Russia halts its offensive, there will be peace. If Ukraine ceases fighting, there will be no Ukraine. Estonia's support for Ukraine is steadfast. It is time for Europe to rise to the occasion."

Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp remarked: "Just spoke with my dear Ukrainian friend and colleague Andrii Sybiha. I reiterated my full support for Ukraine: whatever it takes, for as long as it takes."

Nation Press