Reaction to the high-profile event at the White House: Europe stands in solidarity with Ukraine
On February 28, a meeting took place in Washington, D.C., at the White House between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump. However, the joint press conference scheduled for that same day was canceled.
This occurred after an emotional conversation between Trump, U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance, and President Zelensky of Ukraine. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Volodymyr Zelensky, left the White House early at Trump's request.
On the same day, in an interview with Fox News, the President of Ukraine mentioned that during the meeting at the White House, he responded to incorrect facts about the Russian war, the number of casualties, and the reasons for Ukrainians’ hatred towards Putin, which ultimately led to disputes with the American side.
Leaders of European countries expressed their solidarity with Ukraine, supporting Volodymyr Zelensky's stance during the negotiations at the White House. “Your dignity honors the courage of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Volodymyr Zelensky.
“The U.S. deserves better. The free world must support Ukraine. Trump and Vance staged a disgraceful show. I am ashamed of such behavior,” — stated Josep Borrell.
“Dear President Zelensky, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone,” wrote Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
After Trump’s conversation with Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron reminded that it is Russia that is the aggressor, and “we must respect those who have been fighting from the very beginning.”
“The footage from the White House is shocking. How can one stab the president of an occupied country in the back? Free Europe will not betray Ukraine,” reacted Johann Wadeful, deputy leader of the CDU (the party of future German Chancellor Merz), to the scandal.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also expressed words of support.
“Ukraine, Spain stands with you,” he wrote.
“Russia is the aggressor, Ukraine is the country that has faced aggression. We must respect those who have fought from the very beginning,” wrote French President Emmanuel Macron on social media.
“Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. We Europeans will have to rise to this challenge. We will strengthen our support for Ukraine so that it can continue to resist the aggressor,” stated EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas.
“Ukraine can rely on Germany's unwavering support,” assured Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
“British Prime Minister Keir Starmer maintains unwavering support for Ukraine amid the controversy at the White House,” said a spokesperson for the British Prime Minister.
Voices of solidarity are also coming from other countries around the world.
“Canada will continue to support Ukraine and Ukrainians in achieving a just and lasting peace,” stated Prime Minister Trudeau.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed support for President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian people:
“President Zelensky has shown courage and leadership, symbolic for his people, in the face of Russia's brutal and illegal invasion. Australia stands with the Ukrainian people in these difficult times.”
Many world-renowned artists have also voiced their support for Ukraine.
“Courage has a name — Ukraine,” wrote American actor Pedro Pascal on social media. He is known for his roles in the series “Game of Thrones,” “Narcos,” “The Mandalorian,” and in “Gladiator 2.”