- 'A punch in the gut for Ukraine': World leaders react to Trump-Zelenskyy clash redefining Ukraine policy
ISTANBUL
A high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday ended in a tense confrontation, sparking swift and sharp global reactions and deepening divisions among Western allies.
"Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that," Zelenskyy addressed the fallout on X, reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to peace amid its ongoing war with Moscow.
World leaders' support for Ukraine
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau underscored his nation's unwavering support for Ukraine.
"Russia illegally and unjustifiably invaded Ukraine. For three years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience. Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all. Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians in achieving a just and lasting peace," he said on X.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed the sentiment, saying: "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."
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking to reporters in Portugal, reinforced the West’s collective stance: "Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine is the aggressed people. ... 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."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured Zelenskyy, saying: "Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President."
"We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace," she said on X.
Moldova's President Maia Sandu shared her assessment on X: "The truth is simple. Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine defends its freedom – and ours. We stand with Ukraine."
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store criticized Trump’s rhetoric, telling the country's TV2: "What we saw from the White House today is serious and disheartening. Ukraine still needs the US’s support, and Ukraine’s security and future are also important to the US and to Europe. That Trump accuses Zelenskyy of gambling with World War III is deeply unreasonable and a statement I distance myself from. Norway stands with Ukraine in their struggle for freedom."
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof reaffirmed continued backing for Ukraine: "The Netherlands continues to support Ukraine. Especially now. We want lasting peace and an end to the war of aggression that Russia has started. For Ukraine, for all its inhabitants, and for Europe."
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna reiterated Ukraine's right to defend itself.
"The only obstacle to peace is (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s decision to continue his war of aggression. If Russia stops fighting, there will be no war. If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no Ukraine. Estonia’s support to Ukraine remains unwavering. Time for Europe to step up," he said on X.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk simply assured Ukraine on X: "Dear @ZelenskyyUa, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone."
New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, assuring Kyiv of Wellington's support, said his country “remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine as it defends itself in a war that Russia started.”
“It’s mounting the defense of a proud, democratic and sovereign nation, but also the defense of international law,” Luxon said on X.
Praise for Trump’s position
The confrontation also drew praise for Trump’s position.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed a different view on X, aligning with Trump’s position: "Strong men make peace, weak men make war. Today President @realDonaldTrump stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President!"
White House deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller, lauded Trump’s handling of the meeting, calling it "one of the great moments in the history of American diplomacy."
Speaking on Fox News that night, Miller said: "I don’t think anybody had any idea Zelenskyy would be so impertinent, so disrespectful, so insulting to the United States of America. But this is one of the great moments in the history of American diplomacy.
"The way that President Trump and (Vice President) J.D. Vance stood up for American interest on the world stage, the way that President Trump befriended Americans after years of being fleeced and abused and taken advantage of and taken for granted, millions of American hearts swelled with overflowing pride today to watch President Trump put Zelenskyy in his place."
Miller went on to claim that "Americans have suffered economically funding this war" and slammed Zelenskyy for allegedly lecturing Trump.
Calls for Western unity
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for unity among Western allies, warning that internal divisions only serve adversaries:
"Every division of the West makes us all weaker and favors those who would like to see the decline of our civilization. ... What is needed is an immediate summit between the United States, European states, and allies to talk frankly about how we intend to deal with the great challenges of today, starting with Ukraine."
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office reaffirmed the premier's "unwavering support for Ukraine" and commitment to a peaceful solution ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated Canberra's “unequivocal” support for Ukraine to reporters, calling the war: a “struggle for the upholding of international law,” saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “imperialistic designs not just on Ukraine but throughout that region.”
“For three years Australia has proudly supported the brave people of Ukraine in their struggle to defend their sovereignty against the brutality of Russian aggression and in support of international law. Australia stands with Ukraine,” Australian premier additionally said on X.
Albanese framed the conflict as a broader struggle between democracy and authoritarianism: "We will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes because this is the struggle of a democratic nation versus an authoritarian regime led by Vladimir Putin."
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen described the meeting in a Facebook post as "a punch in the gut for Ukraine," adding: "There must be room for robust conversations – even between friends. But when it happens in front of rolling cameras like that, there is only one winner. And he sits in the Kremlin."
