Most European leaders voiced support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following an unprecedented confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday.
The tense exchange, which included accusations, reprimands and visible frustration, reportedly ended with Zelensky’s removal from the White House.
European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas made a pointed remark, saying, "The free world needs a new leader."
Zelensky left Washington without signing a deal that would have granted the U.S. access to Ukraine’s untapped mineral resources, including future earnings. In a later interview with Fox News, he suggested the administration could be more supportive of Ukraine.
“You’re either going to make a deal, or we’re out,” Trump reportedly told Zelensky in the Oval Office. “And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’s gonna be pretty, but you’ll fight it out. You don’t have the cards. Once we sign that deal, you’re in a much better position, but you’re not acting at all thankful, and that’s not a nice thing. I’ll be honest, that’s not a nice thing,” the U.S. president said.
Following the meeting, Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s determination in a social media post: "It is very important for us that Ukraine is heard and that no one forgets about it, neither during the war nor after. It is important for people in Ukraine to know that they are not alone, that their interests are represented in every country, in every corner of the world."
Without directly mentioning Trump, European leaders were swift in their expressions of solidarity with Ukraine.
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“No one wants peace more than the citizens of Ukraine! That is why we are jointly seeking the path to a lasting and just peace. Ukraine can rely on Germany, and on Europe," said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Ukraine President Zelensky in an interview with Fox News after his White House clash with Trump
(Video: Fox News)
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed the sentiment. "Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine is the aggressed people. I think we were all right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago, and to continue to do so, we, that is the United States of America, the Europeans, the Canadians, the Japanese and many others," he said. "We must thank all those who have helped and respect those who have been fighting since the beginning. Because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, their children and the security of Europe. These are simple things, but they're good to remember at times like these, that's all."
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for an urgent summit between the U.S., European states, and allied nations. "Every division of the West makes us all weaker and favors those who would like to see the decline of our civilization. Not of its power or influence, but of the principles that founded it first and foremost freedom," Meloni said. "A division would not benefit anyone.
Britain also reaffirmed its support for Ukraine, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged continued backing "for as long as it takes."
"This is the struggle of a democratic nation against an authoritarian regime led by Vladimir Putin, who clearly has imperialistic ambitions—not just in Ukraine, but across the region," Albanese said.