European leaders express solidarity with Zelensky after meeting with Trump
Several European leaders have expressed their solidarity with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky after his meeting with US president Donald Trump degenerated into an open argument. Trump accused Zelensky in the White House of “gambling with World War Three”.
During the meeting, the US president said it would be “very difficult” to negotiate with his Ukrainian counterpart. “Either you make a deal or we drop you,” Trump threatened, warning that Zelensky would have to compromise with the Russians.
French president Emmanuel Macron, who visited Trump a few days ago, emphasised his support for Ukraine when talking to journalists in Portugal, where he is on a state visit.
“Russia is the aggressor, and it is Ukraine that is under attack,” he said. “We were right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago. We will continue to do so. We have to respect those who have been fighting since the beginning of the war.”
Polish prime minister Donald Tusk, whose country holds the six-month presidency of the Council of the EU, sent a message of solidarity to Zelensky and the Ukrainian people on X.
“Dear Volodymyr Zelensky, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone,” he said. Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez followed, posting: “Ukraine, Spain stands with you.”
Kirill Dmitriev, who heads the Russian Direct Investment Fund and was one of the Russian negotiators in the Russia-US talks held in Saudi Arabia on 18 February; called the confrontation between Zelensky and Trump “historic”.
Zelensky thanked the US for their support and for the visit in a post on X. During the meeting, Trump had accused Zelensky of being disrespectful and ungrateful. “Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that,” Zelensky said.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky leaves the White House after meeting US president Donald Trump © PHOTO JIM LOSCALZO - POOL VIA CNP / CNP VIA ZUMA PRESS WIRE
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