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Global leaders rallied behind Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following a contentious White House meeting with US President Donald Trump that raised concerns about the future of efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Trump’s harsh criticism of Zelenskyy, accusing him of showing disrespect toward the United States, drew swift responses from international figures, while Russia expressed support for Trump’s position.
Zelenskyy received widespread backing from allies, acknowledging their support through social media posts.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, following meetings with both leaders, pledged continued support to Ukraine. A Downing Street spokesperson indicated that Starmer “is doing all he can to find a path forward to a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine.”
This is probably my favorite breakdown of what happened in the Oval Office with Trump, Zelensky and JD. I’m adding "greasy" to my lexicon now. pic.twitter.com/QXhdP5mwqg
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) March 1, 2025
EU leadership, including Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, issued a joint statement assuring Zelenskyy he was “never alone,” adding, “We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.”
The EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, emphasized European leadership, stating: “The free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge.”
French President Emmanuel Macron reinforced Ukraine’s position, saying: “There is an aggressor, which is Russia. There is an aggressed people, which is Ukraine.” He added: “We were all right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago and to continue to do so.”
German officials took strong stances, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock describing the dispute as “unspeakable” and noting it “underlined that a new age of infamy has begun.”
Contrasting with widespread support for Ukraine, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban aligned with Trump, posting on X: “Strong men make peace. Weak men make war.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni advocated for immediate international discussions, while Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine on social media.
Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova characterized Zelenskyy’s White House visit as “a complete political and diplomatic failure,” while Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal defended Zelenskyy’s position, warning against Russian territorial ambitions.
This Was What Zelensky Did Behind The Scenes That Led to The Heated White House Exchange. https://t.co/LMvJLAc2vy pic.twitter.com/Xd3PK78tg6
— The Red Archives (@the_redarchives) March 1, 2025
Democratic Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump and Vice President JD Vance of advancing Putin’s interests, stating: “Trump and Vance are doing Putin’s dirty work.”
International support extended beyond Europe, with Canada emphasizing Ukraine’s role in defending global freedom. Leaders from Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand expressed solidarity with Ukraine.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba described the Trump-Zelenskyy exchange as “unexpected” and “emotional,” advocating for diplomatic solutions rooted in “compassion and patience” to achieve peace.
