The meeting between Ukrainian President Voldy Mie Zelensky and Washington, DC President Donald Trump ended abruptly after the two leaders clashed in a fierce exchange over Russian war with Kiev.
In the oval office on Friday, Trump and his vice president, JD Vance, denounced Zelensky for being “disrespectful” and not fully thanking the United States for their support.
“You live and gamble millions of people,” cried Trump. “You’re gambling with World War II. What you’re doing is very rude to this country.”
Zelensky, who had been meeting with Trump and persuading him not to side with Russian President Vladimir Putin and to discuss Ukraine’s US security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire, told Trump “there is no compromise with the killers of our territory.”
When the Ukrainian leader left the White House shortly after the verbal match, Trump wrote on a true social media app he owned that Zelensky “will not be ready for peace if America is involved.”
“He downplayed the United States in his precious oval office. He can come back when he is ready for peace,” he added.
Zelenskyy posted to X after the meeting and thanked the US for their support.
“Thanks to Potus, Congress and the Americans. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we work precisely for that,” he writes.
Here’s how some world leaders responded to intense conflict:
Russia
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy director of the Russian Security Council, wrote on Telegram that Trump gave Ukraine a “strong slap on the wrist.”
“For the first time, Trump told the cocaine clown the truth in his face. The Kiev administration is playing in World War III. And the ungrateful pig has received a strong slap on the wrist by the pig owner. This is convenient. But that’s not enough – we have to stop military assistance to Nazi machines,” said Medvedev, who is also a former president of Russia.
Maria Zakharova, a spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised Trump for showing “restraint” with Ukrainian leadership.
“I think Zelensky’s biggest lie of all his lies was his claim in the White House that the Kiev administration in 2022 was alone without support,” she wrote on Telegram. “Trump and Vance are the ways in which Skanbug prevented him from hitting something that is a miracle of restraint.”
european union
EU Commission Chairman Ursula von der Leyen has posted a message of solidarity with Zelenskyy and has written about X. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. ”
Meanwhile, Kaja Karas, the head of foreign policy at the bloc, said it was clear that “the free world needs a new leader.”
“Ukraine is Europe! She said in a social media post.
“We will strengthen our support for Ukraine and allow them to continue to fight back against the invaders,” she added. “Today, it has become clear that the free world needs a new leader. It is up to Europeans to take this challenge.”
France
French President Emmanuel Macron told Portuguese reporters that Russia was the “invaders” of the Ukrainian war, and that Ukrainians were “aggressive people.”
“I think we were able to help Ukraine three years ago, sanction Russia and help us continue doing that. We are the United States, Europeans, Canadians, Japanese and many others,” Macron said.
“And we must thank all those who have helped and respected those who have fought from the beginning, because they are fighting for dignity, independence, children, and the safety of Europe. These are easy, but it’s good to remember from time to time like this. That’s all,” he added.
Germany
Prime Minister Olaf Scholz said “Ukraine can rely on Germany and Europe.”
“No one wants peace as much as Ukrainian citizens! That’s why we are looking for a joint, lasting, and mere path to peace,” he said.
Johann Wadefl was also a top MP from the German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz’s party and also supported Ukraine.
“The White House scene is shocking,” he wrote to X. Free Europe will not betray Ukraine! ”
England
Prime Minister Kiel spoke with both Trump and Zelensky after their official fallout.
Starmer said “we look forward to hosting international leaders on Sunday, including President Zelensky.”
“He retains his unwavering support for Ukraine and is playing his role in finding a path to lasting peace based on Ukraine’s sovereignty and security,” the statement said.
Norway
Prime Minister Jonas Gar Stoyle has accused the White House events of “serious and discouraging.”
“Ukraine still needs US support and its security and future is important for the US and Europe.
“President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has gained widespread support in Europe, strong support for Ukraine, and has led people through very harsh and brutal times in the wake of attacks from Russia. It is a very unreasonable statement that Trump is blaming Zelensky for gambling in World War I, which I am keeping apart,” he said in a statement to Norway’s TV2.
Poland
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tass wrote to X: “Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.”
Spain
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also expressed solidarity with Ukraine.
“Ukraine, Spain is standing with you,” he wrote to X.
Italy
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed a meeting with US and European leaders to reaffirm their bond.
“We need a non-date summit to speak openly between the US, European states and their allies, how we intend to tackle today’s major challenges, starting with Ukraine, which we have defended in recent years,” right-wing leader Meloni said in a statement.
Meanwhile, her aide has expressed support for Trump.
“Toward peace, stop this war! Come to @RealdonaldTrump,” Matteo Salvini writes to X.
Hungary
Prime Minister Victor Orban was one of the few voices in Europe that supported Trump.
“Strong men make peace, weak men make war. Today, President @Realdonaldtrump stood bravely for peace,” he writes in X. Thank you, President! ”
Canada
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada is standing with Ukrainians to achieve just and lasting peace.
“Russia illegally and unfairly invaded Ukraine. For three years, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience. Their battle for democracy, freedom and sovereignty is an important battle for all of us,” he wrote in X.
Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Jolly encouraged NATO allies to unite “all this unpredictability, and sometimes even confusing.”
“We believe in supporting Ukraine. Our position has not changed. I think Ukrainians are fighting for their freedom, but they are fighting for us,” she said.
Estonia
Foreign Minister Malgus Tsekna wrote in X that the only obstacle to peace was Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “decision to continue the war of aggression.”
“If Russia stops fighting, there will be no war. If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no Ukraine. Estonian support for Ukraine remains unshakable. It’s time for Europe to step up,” Tsakna wrote.
Sweden
“Sweden stands with Ukraine. You fight for your freedom, you fight for everything in Europe. Slaba Ukraine!”
Czech Republic
President Petr Pavel wrote in X:
“We stand more than ever with Ukraine. Time for Europe to strengthen its efforts.”
Moldova
President Maia Sandhu wrote about X:
“The truth is simple. Russia has invaded Ukraine. Russia is an invader. Ukraine defends its freedom – and ours. We stand with Ukraine,” she wrote to X.
Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement:
“We will continue to stand with Ukraine, as this is a struggle between a democratic state and an authoritarian regime led by Vladimir Putin, who clearly has imperialist designs not only in Ukraine, but throughout the region.”
