Following a heated exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a chorus of support for Ukraine, currently under assault by Russia, has resonated throughout Europe. Prominent European leaders have voiced their solidarity with Ukraine, reaffirming their commitment to standing against Russian aggression.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz took to X, formerly Twitter, to assure Ukraine of unwavering support. "Ukraine can count on Germany – and on Europe," Scholz stated firmly. He emphasized the universal desire for peace, particularly among the Ukrainian population, who are enduring the devastating consequences of the conflict.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock echoed this sentiment on Instagram, declaring, "Ukraine is not alone." She underscored Europe’s unified stance in support of Ukraine and its resolute opposition to Russian aggression.
CDU leader Friedrich Merz also voiced his solidarity, cautioning against any ambiguity in identifying the aggressor and the victim in this "terrible war." He stressed the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between the two.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for continued respect for Ukraine, reiterating that Russia is the aggressor and Ukraine the "attacked people." He championed the unwavering commitment of those who have fought from the beginning and affirmed the necessity of continued assistance to Ukraine, while recalling the sanctions imposed on Russia three years prior.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen directly addressed President Zelenskyy on X, assuring him, "You are never alone, dear President Zelenskyy." She lauded his dignity as a testament to the courage of the Ukrainian people and reaffirmed the commitment to working alongside Ukraine for a just and lasting peace.
EU Council President António Costa also released a statement directed at Zelenskyy, expressing his solidarity and support. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas went further, stating, "Today it has become clear that the free world needs a new leader. It is up to us Europeans to accept this challenge."
Meanwhile, SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil emphasized Germany’s crucial role in supporting Ukraine, emphasizing the necessity for Europe to strengthen its autonomy in light of the U.S. government’s actions. "The behavior of the US government shows once again that Europe must take its future more into its own hands. We must become stronger together on all levels," Klingbeil asserted on X, adding that "Germany must and will lead the way. Also, to help Ukraine."
The Prime Ministers of Poland and Spain, Donald Tusk and Pedro Sánchez, also extended their solidarity to Ukraine. Tusk posted on X shortly after Zelenskyy’s early departure from the White House, "Dear Zelenskyy, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone." Sánchez emphasized Spain’s steadfast support for Ukraine. Similar expressions of solidarity were offered by the leaders of Latvia, Portugal, Sweden, and several other nations.
Canada has also pledged its unwavering support for Ukraine. Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly stated on X that she had spoken with her Ukrainian counterpart, assuring him of Canada’s steadfast support for Ukraine. Canada will continue to provide all necessary assistance to Ukraine to ensure its "security, sovereignty, and resilience."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also voiced his country’s strong backing for Ukraine, stating that Australia would stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary. "For this is the fight of a democratic nation against an authoritarian regime under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, who clearly has imperialistic plans not only in Ukraine, but in the entire region."
Shortly after, Volodymyr Zelenskyy began expressing his gratitude on X to all European representatives for their expressions of solidarity. He posted the numerous messages of support from government leaders on his official X account, simply stating, "Thank you for your support."
A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that Zelenskyy will attend the summit on Ukraine in London on Sunday, which Starmer has invited more than a dozen heads of state and government from Europe. He said he looked forward to welcoming "international leaders, including President Zelenskyy" on Sunday.
Starmer, who was in Washington, D.C. for talks with Trump on Thursday, reportedly spoke with both Trump and Zelenskyy following the incident at the White House. Starmer continues to fully support Ukraine and is contributing to "finding a way to a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine."
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is calling for a summit between the U.S. and European leaders to discuss how to address the major challenges of the present, starting with Ukraine. "Any division of the West weakens us all and helps those who want to see a decline in our civilization," she stated.
Meanwhile, the response from Russia has been supportive of Trump’s actions. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev took to Telegram to describe the incident as a "well-deserved, strong slap in the face" for Zelenskyy. Former Kremlin advisor Sergei Markov called for the Ukrainian president’s resignation.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, in contrast, thanked Trump for his efforts towards "peace." "Strong men make peace, weak men wage war," Orbán wrote on X. He argued that Trump has worked for peace, even if it is "hard to digest" for many.
