European Leaders Rally Behind Zelenskyy Amid Trump Dispute: 'Free World Need A New Leader'

In a display of unity and resolve, European leaders have swiftly pledged their support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following a contentious meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The extraordinary gathering at the White House on Friday ended with Zelenskyy leaving the meeting, as Trump shouted at him and showed open disdain. The incident has exposed a deepening transatlantic rift, with European leaders scrambling to respond and reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine.



The European leaders' comments largely did not mention Trump or Vance, but rather sought to assure Ukraine of their support as the war with Russia enters its fourth year. Zelenskyy re-posted their comments on X, writing "thank you for your support" to each, likely a dig at the Trump administration. During the meeting, Trump chided Zelenskyy after Vance, one of the administration's most skeptical voices on Ukraine, said he was being disrespectful for debating Trump in the Oval Office in front of the American media.

"Have you said 'thank you' once?" Vance asked Zelenskyy.
The Ukrainian president said four times during the course of their exchange that he was thankful or had already expressed his thanks.
Trump then called off the signing of a minerals deal that he said would have moved Ukraine closer to ending its war with Russia. Zelenskyy left the White House shortly after Trump shouted at him, showing open disdain. The White House said the Ukrainian delegation was told to leave.

A senior Ukrainian official said Zelenskyy spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and President of the European Council Antonio Costa after he left the White House, describing all the conversations as "supportive" of the Ukrainian leader. The official, who is familiar with the matter, requested anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly.

Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni, however, proposed "an immediate summit" between the United States and European allies "to speak frankly about how we intend to face today’s great challenges, starting with Ukraine." She urged the West to stay united.

"Every division of the West makes us all weaker and favors those who would like to see the decline of our civilization," she said. "A division would not benefit anyone."

Some posts on X were directed to Zelenskyy. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told him "your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President." And Friedrich Merz, Germany’s likely next chancellor, wrote: "Dear Volodymyr @zelenskyyua, we stand with #Ukraine in good and in testing times. We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war."

The victory for Merz’s party Sunday in Germany’s national election ensured that Ukraine has an even stronger supporter in the European Union’s largest country. Merz during the campaign promised to unite Europe in the face of challenges from both Russia and the United States. But Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party and one of Merz’s challengers, wrote "Historic. Trump & Vance!" on X with a link to a video of the meeting. AfD’s platform calls for the immediate lifting of sanctions against Russia and opposes weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Weidel also met with Vance in Munich.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán praised Trump for his conduct in the Oval Office, casting Zelenskyy as working against peace in his own country.

"Strong men make peace, weak men make war," Orbán wrote on X. "Today President Donald Trump stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President!"

Orbán is a consistent backer of the Kremlin and has been outspokenly antagonistic against neighboring Ukraine. After winning the last Hungarian elections in 2022, less than six weeks after Russia’s full-scale invasion, he cited Zelenskyy as one of the opponents he had defeated in the campaign.

Meanwhile in Estonia, which borders Russia, F

The Trump-Zelenskyy dispute has highlighted the deep divisions within the Western alliance, with European leaders publicly supporting Ukraine while Trump has been more skeptical. This rift could have significant implications for global geopolitics and the future of the NATO alliance, as well as the economic consequences of a divided West. To maintain a united front against Russian aggression in Ukraine, European leaders must strengthen their strategic autonomy, maintain diplomatic unity and communication, address internal divisions, engage with the United States and other international partners, and work together to counterbalance the influence of the United States, particularly under a Trump administration. By doing so, they can help ensure a robust and coordinated response to Russian aggression and mitigate the risks of a divided West.