European leaders pledged late Friday to face by Ukraine within the wake of the contentious Oval Workplace assembly between US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with their statements in help of their neighbour on the continent making certain a deepening transatlantic rift.
European leaders already had been shaken by Vance’s speech to the Munich Safety Convention two weeks in the past through which he lectured them concerning the state of their democracy. As prime ministers and presidents throughout the continent scrambled to reply, they’ve held a sequence of emergency summits to debate safety.
One other main summit is scheduled for Sunday in London, hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Greater than a dozen European and EU leaders, together with Zelenskyy, will collect for a gathering meant to drive ahead motion on Ukraine and safety.
The leaders’ feedback Friday largely didn’t point out Trump or Vance, however somewhat sought to guarantee Ukraine of their help because the battle with Russia enters its fourth yr. Zelenskyy re-posted their feedback on X, writing “thanks on your help” to every – doubtless a dig on the Trump administration.
Throughout the extraordinary assembly Friday in Washington, Trump chided Zelenskyy after Vance, one of many administration’s most skeptical voices on Ukraine, stated he was being disrespectful for debating Trump within the Oval Workplace in entrance of the American media.
“Have you ever stated thanks’ as soon as?” Vance requested Zelenskyy.
The Ukrainian president stated 4 occasions throughout the course of their trade that he was grateful or had already expressed his thanks.
Trump then referred to as off the signing of a minerals deal that he stated would have moved Ukraine nearer to ending its battle with Russia. Zelenskyy left the White Home shortly after Trump shouted at him, displaying open disdain. The White Home stated the Ukrainian delegation was advised to depart.
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A senior Ukrainian official stated Zelenskyy spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary-Normal Mark Rutte and President of the European Council Antonio Costa after he left the White Home, describing all of the conversations as “supportive” of the Ukrainian chief. The official, who’s aware of the matter, requested anonymity as a result of he was not authorised to remark publicly.
Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni, nonetheless, proposed “a right away summit” between america and European allies “to talk frankly about how we intend to face at this time’s nice challenges, beginning with Ukraine.” She urged the West to remain united.
“Each division of the West makes us all weaker and favours those that want to see the decline of our civilisation,” she stated. “A division wouldn’t profit anybody.” Some posts on X had been directed to Zelenskyy. EU Fee President Ursula von der Leyen advised him “your dignity honours the bravery of the Ukrainian individuals. Be sturdy, be courageous, be fearless. You’re by no means alone, expensive President”.
And Friedrich Merz, Germany’s doubtless subsequent chancellor, wrote: “Pricey Volodymyr @zelenskyyua, we stand with #Ukraine in good and in testing occasions. We must not ever confuse aggressor and sufferer on this horrible battle.” The victory for Merz’s social gathering Sunday in Germany’s nationwide election ensured that Ukraine has a fair stronger supporter within the European Union’s largest nation. Merz throughout the marketing campaign promised to unite Europe within the face of challenges from each Russia and america.
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However Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right, anti-immigrant Various for Germany social gathering and one among Merz’s challengers, wrote “Historic. Trump & Vance!” on X with a hyperlink to a video of the assembly. AfD’s platform requires the rapid lifting of sanctions in opposition to Russia and opposes weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
Historisch. Trump & Vance! https://t.co/eEWvdkMNd1
— Alice Weidel (@Alice_Weidel) February 28, 2025
Weidel additionally met with Vance in Munich. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán praised Trump for his conduct within the Oval Workplace, casting Zelenskyy as working in opposition to peace in his personal nation.
“Sturdy males make peace, weak males make battle,” Orbán wrote on X. “Immediately President Donald Trump stood bravely for peace. Even when it was troublesome for a lot of to digest. Thanks, Mr. President!” Orbán is a constant backer of the Kremlin and has been outspokenly antagonistic in opposition to neighbouring Ukraine.
Sturdy males make peace, weak males make battle.
Immediately President @realDonaldTrump stood bravely for peace. Even when it was troublesome for a lot of to digest. Thanks, Mr. President!
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) February 28, 2025
After profitable the final Hungarian elections in 2022, lower than six weeks after Russia’s full-scale invasion, he cited Zelenskyy as one of many opponents he had defeated within the marketing campaign.
In the meantime in Estonia, which borders Russia, International Minister Margus Tsahkna stated the one impediment to peace is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s resolution to proceed the battle.
“It’s time for Europe to step up,” Tsahkna stated in a press release. “We don’t want to attend for one thing else to occur; Europe has sufficient sources, together with Russia’s frozen belongings, to allow Ukraine to proceed preventing.” And Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s reminded Ukraine of what’s at stake for the Nordic and Baltic international locations, and others, if Russia’s aggression spreads.
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“You aren’t solely preventing on your freedom but additionally for all of Europe’s,” Kristersson wrote on X. European officers from Austria, he Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and Spain, amongst others, additionally supplied their help to Ukraine.
