EU leaders rally in support for Ukraine after Zelenskyy’s contentious Trump meeting
Following a public dispute between Ukraine President
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump, European leaders have
expressed their support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.
Here is a selection of reactions from Kyiv’s European allies regarding the appalling treatment of Zelenskyy by Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office on Feb. 28.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated, "The only obstacle to peace is [Russian dictator Valdimir] Putin's decision to continue this war of conquest,” he wrote in a Twitter post.
“If Russia stops fighting, there will be no war. If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no Ukraine. Estonia's support for Ukraine remains steadfast. It's time for Europe to step up.”
Friedrich Merz, likely to become the next German Chancellor, wrote, "Dear Volodymyr Zelenskyy, we support Ukraine in good times and bad. We must never confuse the aggressor and the victim in this terrible war."
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed solidarity, "Ukraine, Spain is with you," he said on Twitter.
French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters, “Russia is the aggressor, Ukraine is the victim of aggression.”
“We all knew three years ago that we needed to help Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia, and we must continue to do so. By 'we,' I mean the United States, Europeans, Canadians, Japanese, and many others. We must thank those who have helped and honor those who have fought from the beginning. They fight for their dignity, independence, children, and the security of Europe. These are simple truths we must remember in such moments,” French broadcaster BFM quoted Macron.
Polish PM Donald Tusk assured, "Dear Volodymyr Zelenskyy, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone," he wrote in a Twitter post.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu emphasized, "The truth is simple. Russia attacked Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine defends its own and our freedom. We stand with Ukraine.”
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda declared, “Ukraine, you will never be alone.”
Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre reiterated Norway’s commitment, "We support Ukraine in its just struggle for fair and lasting peace," he wrote.
The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Sweden stands with Ukraine. You are fighting not only for your freedom but for all of Europe. Glory to Ukraine!" the post read.
Czech PM Petr Fiala wrote, "We stand with Ukraine and the free world."
Latvia's PM Evika Siliņa noted, "Latvia stands with Ukraine," in her post.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote, “Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people,” in another Twitter post.
“Stay strong, stay brave, stay fearless. You will never be alone, dear President Zelenskyy. We will continue working with you for a fair and sustainable peace.”
Dutch PM Dick Schoof declared, "The Netherlands firmly supports Ukraine now more than ever. We seek a strong peace and the cessation of this war of conquest initiated by Russia. For Ukraine and its people, and for Europe," he noted.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated, "No one desires peace more than the citizens of Ukraine!” in direct contradiction to Trump’s suggestion that Zelenskyy “is not ready for peace.”
“That's why we work together for a strong and just peace. Ukraine can rely on Germany—and on Europe.”
EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, reiterated, “Ukraine is Europe! We stand with Ukraine. We will reinforce our support so that Ukraine can continue to face the aggressor. Today it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It is up to us Europeans whether to take on this challenge.”
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