The attacks and assaults by U.S. President Donald Trump against Volodymyr Zelensky, the leader of Ukraine, this Friday at the White House, have caused a new shockwave in Europe. Amid a rift with the United States, several European leaders—including representatives of the main EU institutions—have expressed solidarity with Zelensky, who has not backed down in the face of threats from the Republican magnate. Trump accused him of taking advantage of the U.S., of “playing with World War III,” and even defended Vladimir Putin in front of the Ukrainian delegation in the Oval Office, dismissing allegations of interference in the 2016 U.S. elections.
“Ukraine, Spain is with you,” remarked Spanish President Pedro Sánchez on social media, posting in three languages: Spanish, English, and Ukrainian, without mentioning Trump’s clash with Zelensky, and in line with the support he showed for the Kremlin-attacked nation during this week’s summit in Kyiv. Zelensky has thanked the European leaders for their support via social media.
Beyond the messages on social media, several leaders—including the President of the European Council, António Costa, and French President Emmanuel Macron—have called Zelensky following his abrupt exit from the White House to show their support. The Ukrainian leader has been invited to an extraordinary summit next Thursday in Brussels, where the focus will be on Ukraine.
European messages have been pouring in since the incident at the White House, where Zelensky left without signing the mineral agreement that was supposed to be finalized this Friday. “The only obstacle to peace is Putin’s decision to continue his war of aggression,” said Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. “If Russia stops fighting, there will be no war. If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no Ukraine. Estonia’s support for Ukraine remains unwavering. It’s time for Europe to step up,” he added.
Although the vast majority of European leaders have rallied behind Zelensky, members of the far-right closest to Trump have distanced themselves. Italian Prime Minister, far-right leader Giorgia Meloni, issued a statement calling for an immediate summit between the U.S. and the EU to discuss “today’s challenges” and Ukraine. However, the Italian leader, who is close to Trump’s circle, has avoided expressing support for Zelensky. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister, national-populist Viktor Orbán, said, “Strong men make peace, weak ones make war. Today, President Trump bravely stood up for peace, even if it’s hard for many to swallow. Thank you, Mr. President!”
Meanwhile, the Kremlin’s orbit has celebrated Trump’s attacks on Zelensky. “That insolent pig has finally received a good slap in the Oval Office,” said former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on social media. “And Donald Trump is right: the Kyiv regime is playing with World War III,” he added. “It’s a miracle of restraint that Trump and Vance managed to hold back and didn’t punch this scoundrel!” said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
