European leaders have shown substantial support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after a contentious meeting with US President Donald Trump in the White House. The exchange escalated into a heated confrontation, where Trump urged Zelensky to negotiate with Russia, warning, "or we are out." Zelensky's visit to London this weekend, where he is scheduled to attend a summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, is viewed as vital amid the escalating tensions.
Following the clash in the Oval Office, leaders from Germany, France, Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands took to social media to voice their support for Ukraine, with Zelensky responding to each message with gratitude. Notably, French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the distinction between aggressor and victim, affirming continued support for Ukraine. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof echoed this sentiment, reinforcing Dutch commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty.
The support wasn’t limited to European leaders; Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also expressed solidarity, emphasizing their nations' ongoing backing of Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression. Messages of support streamed in from various countries including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, and more.
In stark contrast, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban publicly backed Trump, suggesting that strong leadership is essential for peace. Meanwhile, Zelensky voiced hope for salvaging the relationship with Trump, despite the interruptions and confrontational nature of their engagement. He highlighted the importance of Ukraine's representation globally, especially amidst ongoing challenges.
As diplomatic conversations continue, Zelensky aims for a just peace and is gearing up for critical talks in London focused on future strategies for Ukraine amidst the war. The upcoming summit led by Sir Keir Starmer is expected to discuss international military cooperation, particularly regarding US support for Ukraine's defense against Russian advances.
